ITT MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES, INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140153085 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BINARY FOCUS IN NIGHT VISION DEVICES - Focusing devices and methods for controlling a focal position of an objective lens assembly in a night vision optical device are provided. The focusing device includes an objective lens assembly positioned at a first or second focus position from an imaging device and a binary focus controller, coupled to the objective lens assembly, configured to translate the objective lens assembly relative to the imaging device to either the first or second focus position. The objective lens assembly is translated to either the first or second focus position in response to an orientation of the night vision optical device. | 06-05-2014 |
20140048990 | DUAL RADIUS ISOLATOR - A vibration isolator includes a base plate having a first attachment feature that enables attachment of the isolator to a first surface, the isolator further including a second attachment feature permitting attachment to a second surface. A spring section disposed between the base plate and the second attachment feature has a first radiused section and a second radiused section, each of the first and second radiused sections being formed in opposing directions on a continuous spring portion intermediate to the base plate and second attachment feature and in which the spring section provides noise attenuation and isolation between the first and second surfaces. | 02-20-2014 |
20140014630 | ELECTRODE FOR A PLASMA ARC CUTTING TORCH - An electrode for a plasma arc torch is provided with features for improving electrode wear. An emissive insert is received into a cavity formed along one end of the torch body. A portion of the emissive insert is separated from the torch body by a sleeve positioned along the insert near the emission surface of the insert. The sleeve can operate to slow the erosion of the electrode body and thereby improve overall electrode life. | 01-16-2014 |
20130105262 | VIBRATION DAMPING APPARATUS | 05-02-2013 |
20130084078 | Technique for Increasing Signal Gain - A technique for generating complementary signals for joint transmission involves generating a first signal having a first wavelength and a second signal having a second wavelength. The first signal is modulated with a first modulation to encode data, and the second signal is modulated with a second modulation, which is an inverted version of the first modulation, to encode the same data such that the first and second signals are complementary. The first and second signals are combined to produce a combined signal in which power attributable to the first signal is interleaved with and substantially non-overlapping temporally with power attributable to the second signal. The combined signal is amplified and then transmitted. The first and second signals can be optical signals at respective first and second optical wavelengths, where the first and second signals are on-off keying (OOK) modulated. | 04-04-2013 |
20130081228 | ROTARY HINGE WITH ADJUSTABLE DAMPING ASSEMBLY - A rotary hinge assembly includes a hinge housing including at least one interior chamber. A spring disposed within the hinge housing provides a torque on an attached door while in an opened and closed position. A rotor rotatably disposed within the at least one interior chamber includes at least one rotor vane that moves in relation to a stationarily mounted stator having at least one stator vane. A fill plug includes a plurality of entrance and exit holes disposed in relation to the stator and rotor vanes to define a fluidic damper assembly. A valve disposed within the fill plug permits selective adjustment of the fluidic damper by restricting or opening the entrance and exit holes of the fill plug. | 04-04-2013 |
20130070814 | Method and Apparatus for Cooperative Communications Between Groups of Communication Units Using a Time Reversed Channel Response - Enhanced reception in a communication system is achieved by applying a time domain generated time-reversed channel response to signals transmitted from a group of transmitter to a group of receivers. The time-reversed channel response is generated from a radio frequency channel response derived from signals previously received from the group of receivers, but reversed in the time domain. The time-reversed channel response is convolved with an information signal that when transmitted in a coordinated fashion from the group of transmitters, the signals arrive at each receiver in the group of distant receiving communication devices at approximately the same time where the signals coherently combine, thereby increasing signal power at the receivers. This permits detection at a greater range or with a lower bit error rate. In addition, the many-to-many configuration enables signal power from each transmitter to be focused temporarily and spatially on each receiver. | 03-21-2013 |
20130052059 | PORTABLE BATTERY OPERATED BILGE PUMP - A pump is provided featuring a housing and battery configuration, where the housing is configured with a battery receiving portion having electrical terminals for receiving power to the pump, and where the battery has a protruding portion with corresponding electrical terminals configured to contact the electrical terminals to provide power to the pump when the protruding portion of the battery is inserted into the battery receiving portion of the housing and rotated in one direction to an “ON” position, and also configured not to contact the electrical terminals when the battery is not rotated to the “ON” position. | 02-28-2013 |
20130044562 | MIXER ASSEMBLY FOR DIGESTION TANK - The invention relates to a mixer assembly for agitating material in a digestion tank ( | 02-21-2013 |
20130027251 | System and Method for Direction Finding and Geolocation of Emitters Based on Line-of-Bearing Intersections - According to an embodiment of the present invention an emitter geolocation technique determines the geolocation of a radio frequency (RF) emitter using pair-wise line-of-bearing intersections that are derived from signal-to-noise ratios of transmitted signals received at a sensor. The technique may be employed with ground based vehicle or small unmanned air vehicles (UAV), and obtains reliable geolocation estimates of radio frequency (RF) emitters of interest. | 01-31-2013 |
20130026868 | Electric Machine With Enhanced Cooling - An electric machine includes a casing have a first end plate and a second end plate, the first end plate having an air inlet and the second end plate having an air outlet; an outer rotor positioned inside the casing; a stator positioned inside the outer rotor; a hub positioned inside the stator; a fan positioned within the casing, the fan drawing air from the air inlet and exhausting air out the air outlet. | 01-31-2013 |
20130017110 | DIAPHRAGM PUMP USING DUCKBILL AND OTHER TYPES OF VALVESAANM VILLAGOMEZ; ManuelAACI CoronaAAST CAAACO USAAGP VILLAGOMEZ; Manuel Corona CA USAANM MEZA; Humberto V.AACI TustinAAST CAAACO USAAGP MEZA; Humberto V. Tustin CA USAANM PHILLIPS; David L.AACI Santa AnaAAST CAAACO USAAGP PHILLIPS; David L. Santa Ana CA US - A diaphragm pump is provided that features a valve housing configured with inlet openings and outlet openings; inlet duckbill check valve assemblies, each configured to be arranged in a respective inlet opening; and outlet duckbill check valve assemblies, each configured to be arranged in a respective outlet opening; each duckbill check valve assembly comprising: a duckbill check valve seat configured with an end having a slit to open to provide the fluid and particulate, and to close to prevent the backflow of the fluid and particulate; and a duckbill check valve support having a base portion configured to be inserted inside the duckbill check valve seat, and having a W-shaped portion configured with an opening to pass the fluid and particulate through the duckbill check valve support to the duckbill check valve seat and also configured to provide support for walls of the duckbill check valve seat in response to back pressure caused by the fluid and particulate. | 01-17-2013 |
20120313816 | PHASE RATE OF CHANGE TECHNIQUES FOR PASSIVE GEO-LOCATION OF RADIO FREQUENCY EMITTERS - The present invention relates to a system for resolving phase ambiguities in phase rate of change (PROC) measurements of a long baseline interferometer (LBI). The system includes an LBI having a first antenna and a second antenna positioned on a vehicle to receive the RF signal transmitted by the RF emitter, and a processor positioned on the vehicle. The processor is configured to determine a first phase rate of change (PROC) of the RF signal received by the LBI over a short time interval to produce a short time interval range estimate of the RF emitter, determine a second PROC of the RF signal received by the LBI over a long time interval which is greater than the short time interval, to produce a plurality of ambiguous long time interval range estimates of the RF emitter, and c) select one of the plurality of long time interval range estimates based on the short time interval range estimate. | 12-13-2012 |
20120313007 | CLIP-ON TARGET DESIGNATION SENSOR TO NIGHT VISION GOGGLES - A target engagement system includes a night vision goggle system operating within a predetermined wavelength band, and a laser module projecting light onto a target, where the light operates at a wavelength that is outside of the predetermined wavelength band. Also included is a receive system for receiving the light reflected from the target and converting the light into a wavelength within the predetermined wavelength band. In this manner, the receive system provides the converted light to the night vision goggle system, and the night vision goggle system amplifies the converted light for viewing by a user. The receive system includes a clip-on device for removably attaching the receive system between the target and the night vision goggle system. The receive system includes an up-converting phosphor layer for up-converting the received light into a wavelength detectable by the night vision goggle system. | 12-13-2012 |
20120309288 | System and Method for Allocating Jamming Energy Based on Three-Dimensional Geolocation of Emitters - According to an embodiment of the present invention jamming energy is allocated to a plurality of emitters based on a three-dimensional (3-D) emitter geolocation technique that determines the geolocation of radio frequency (RF) emitters based on energy or received signal strength (RSS) and/or time differences of arrival (TDOAs) of transmitted signals. The three-dimensional (3-D) emitter geolocations are used to rank emitters of interest according to distance and available radio frequency (RF) jamming energy is allocated to the emitters in rank order. The techniques may be employed with small unmanned air vehicles (UAV), and obtains efficient use of jamming energy when applied to radio frequency (RF) emitters of interest. | 12-06-2012 |
20120293371 | System and Method for Geolocation of Multiple Unknown Radio Frequency Signal Sources - According to an embodiment of the present invention, geolocations of multiple unknown radio frequency (RF) signal sources are determined using three-dimensional (3-D) geolocation techniques. The three-dimensional (3-D) geolocation techniques obtain reliable geolocation estimates of radio frequency (RF) emitters based on energy or received signal strength (RSS) of emitter transmitted signals and based on their time differences of arrival (TDOAs) at various sensor locations. The energy based geolocations and the time difference of arrival (TDOA) geolocations are combined to determine an overall set of geolocations for multiple unknown radio frequency (RF) signal sources. The geolocation information is used to track and monitor the locations of the multiple emitters. | 11-22-2012 |
20120290227 | LEVEL SENSING - A level sensing circuit board featuring at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, where the at least one memory and computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: respond to a signal containing information related to the electrical conductivity of a material causing a stimulus to a sensing plate that corresponds to a positive plate of a capacitor directly connected to an input of a comparator that forms part of a variable frequency oscillator; and determine a proportional response containing information about the material causing the stimulus to the sensing plate based at least partly on the signal received. The level sensing circuit may be used as a means to turn a pump on or off based on a sensed fluid level. | 11-15-2012 |
20120272886 | SELF LOAD SENSING CIRCUIT BOARD CONTROLLER DIAPHRAGM PUMP - A self-priming diaphragm pump is connected to a circuit board which activates the self-priming diaphragm pump at predetermined intervals, e.g., for 1-3 seconds. When the self-priming diaphragm pump is activated, the circuit board senses the amperage draw from the pump's motor and either continues to run the pump or stops the pump depending on the different amperage levels read. If there is water present in the bilge, the motor is working harder, requiring more amperage and circuit board keeps the pump running. If there is no water present for the pump to draw, the amperage load is very low and the circuit board shuts the pump off, retesting it in the predetermined interval. | 11-01-2012 |
20120267084 | DOUBLE-WALL VENTED BRAZED HEAT EXCHANGER - A double-wall heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat exchange plate pairs. Each heat exchange plate pair forms a double-wall structure including two heat exchange plates that are at least partially separated by a leak space. At least one weep hole is disposed through the plurality of heat exchange plate pairs and intersects the leak spaces of the plurality of plate pairs to channel leaking fluid from the leak spaces to a location outside of the heat exchanger. The at least one weep hole is positioned on a surface of the heat exchanger at a location that is spaced from a side boundary of the heat exchanger thereby enabling an operator of the heat exchanger to observe a leakage on the surface of the heat exchanger. | 10-25-2012 |
20120262962 | Active Rectifier For Vehicles - A vehicle power system including an unregulated alternator; a saturable reactor receiving an output AC voltage from the alternator and generating a reduced AC voltage in response to a bias signal; and an active rectifier rectifying the reduced AC voltage to a DC voltage. | 10-18-2012 |
20120262339 | Determination of State Vector, Timing, and Navigation Quality Metrics from Reception of ADS-B Transmissions - A technique for determining the position of a mobile device includes receiving messages from respective mobile reference devices. Each of the messages is broadcast beginning at one of several predetermined message start opportunity (MSO) times that have known timings relative to a reference time. Each of the messages contains a MSO value identifying the MSO time at which transmission of the message started. The MSO value is used to determine the time of transmission of each of the messages received at the mobile device, and the position of the mobile device is determined via multi-lateration. According to another approach, the mobile device receives a set of ADS-B messages from a respective set of mobile reference devices. The time of transmission of each of the ADS-B messages is supplied in the ADS-B message itself or in a subsequent message and used to determine the position of the mobile device. | 10-18-2012 |
20120243465 | Technique for Enabling Multiple Terminals to Simulate Traffic of a Single Virtual Terminal - A technique for enabling multiple terminals to simulate data traffic of a single virtual terminal includes transmitting from a first transmitting terminal a request to establish a communication session between the first transmitting terminal and a receiving terminal, where the first transmitting terminal is one a plurality of transmitting terminals. The first transmitting terminal receives at least one message from the receiving terminal to establish the communication session. Once the communication session is established between the first transmitting terminal and the receiving terminal, data traffic is transmitted from the plurality of transmitting terminals to the receiving terminal within the communication session such that the receiving terminal is unaware that more than one transmitting terminal is transmitting within the communication session. The communication session is maintained by transmitting maintenance messages from at least one of the plurality of transmitting terminals to the receiving terminal throughout the communication session. | 09-27-2012 |
20120242974 | Method and Apparatus for Controlling Laser Transmissions for Enhanced Safety - According to a present invention embodiment, safety is enhanced for a non-eye-safe limited-range laser sensing system. The laser sensing system typically has an operating range limited to a well-defined spatial interval. A range measurement is utilized to control emissions of the non-eye-safe laser. In particular, when the range to a target is outside the designed spatial interval defining the operating range of the laser sensing system, transmission of the non-eye-safe laser beam is disabled or rendered non-hazardous. In other words, the transmission of the non-eye-safe laser beam is disabled in response to no detection of a hard target within the operating range of the laser sensing system, or when an object is detected between the laser sensing system and the spatial interval that defines the operating range. The target distance may be tracked to change the location (and possibly, width) of the adaptive spatial interval defining the operating range. | 09-27-2012 |
20120237363 | Method And System For Cleaning A Fan Inlet - A system includes a housing; a first fan having a first inlet and a second fan having a second inlet, the first fan and the second fan mounted in a wall of the housing, the first fan and the second fan oriented to draw air into the housing; a device in the housing, the device positioned to receive airflow from the first fan and the second fan; and a controller for controlling the first fan and the second fan, wherein the controller is configured to initiate a cleaning cycle during which the first fan is on and the second fan is off to cause backpressure airflow to flow through the second inlet in a reverse direction for a first time period and the first fan is off and the second fan is on to cause backpressure airflow to flow through the first inlet in a reverse direction for a second time period. | 09-20-2012 |
20120236395 | Grating Based Optical Parametric Oscillator and Method of Dynamically Tuning the Oscillator for Generating Desired Optical Signals - According to an embodiment of the present invention, an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) (e.g., for a laser transmitting device) includes non-linear optical media, optical beam manipulating elements, and a narrow linewidth filter in the form of a rotatable grating. The grating enables rapid tuning of the oscillator to provide an output beam with a desired wavelength. A pump laser provides a pump laser beam, and the non-linear optical media convert the pump beam into light beams with a signal wavelength and an idler wavelength. The angular positions or orientations of the non-linear optical media relative to a longitudinal propagation axis of the optical parametric oscillator (OPO) are adjustable to effectively tune the resulting signal and idler wavelengths. An output coupler receives the resulting beams from the non-linear optical media, and emits beams with the desired wavelength (signal and/or idler wavelengths). | 09-20-2012 |
20120235864 | System and Method for Three-Dimensional Geolocation of Emitters Based on Energy Measurements - According to an embodiment of the present invention, a three-dimensional (3-D) energy-based emitter geolocation technique determines the geolocation of a radio frequency (RF) emitter based on energy or received signal strength (RSS) of transmitted signals. The technique may be employed with small unmanned air vehicles (UAV), and obtains reliable geolocation estimates of radio frequency (RF) emitters of interest. | 09-20-2012 |
20120213644 | ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED LIQUID DISPENSING SYSTEM WITH MODULAR TUBING AND POWER DESIGN - Apparatus is provided featuring a switch-mode power supply (SMPS) having a power circuit component in combination with a SMPS controller. The power circuit component may be configured to provide power to a pump that provides fluid from a container to some other device, including an appliance. The SMPS controller may be configured to receive signaling containing information about at least one control parameter selected from a group including a pressure at an outlet of the pump, a fluid level in the container and the temperature of a motor of the pump, and also may be configured to shut off the power provided to the pump based at least partly on the signaling received so that the power circuit component substantially does not draw power and heat up when the pump is shut off. | 08-23-2012 |
20120197555 | ULTRASONIC WATER LEVEL GAUGE AND CONTROL DEVICE - Apparatus, including an ultrasonic liquid level gauge and control system, includes a gauge configured to be coupled on the outside of a device, having a boiler or hot water tank, having liquid contained therein. The gauge is also configured to receive and contain a small part of the liquid of the device; and an ultrasonic transducing and signal processing arrangement configured to: reflect an ultrasonic pulse off a liquid surface of the small part of the liquid of the device contained in the gauge, and determine the level of liquid in the device based at least partly on a time of flight analysis related to the ultrasonic pulse reflected off the liquid surface of the small part of the liquid of the device contained in the gauge. | 08-02-2012 |
20120189452 | Impeller Attachment Method - A pump is provided having an impeller in combination with a power transmission shaft. The impeller has a tapered bore with impeller threads. The power transmission shaft has a shaft end with tapered threads configured to couple directly to the impeller threads of the tapered bore of the impeller, to transmit torque directly through the tapered threads, and to provide self axial or radial alignment even if the coupling of the tapered threads and the impeller threads of the tapered bore start out of alignment. The tapered thread configuration substantially reduces investment in lifting equipment and time by maintenance personnel because it eliminates the need for maintenance personnel to precisely align the impeller threads and the tapered threads before attaching or removing the impeller and the tapered threads release much more quickly from the impeller than a standard thread configuration, reducing the number of turns the power transmission shaft must be rotated by hand to free it from the impeller. | 07-26-2012 |
20120173027 | Method and Apparatus for Pump Control Using Varying Equivalent System Characteristic Curve, AKA an Adaptive Control Curve - The present invention provides, e.g., apparatus comprising at least one processor; at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and computer program code being configured, with at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: respond to signaling containing information about an instant pressure and a flow rate of fluid being pumped in a pumping system, and obtain an adaptive control curve based at least partly on the instant pressure and flow rate using an adaptive moving average filter. The adaptive moving average filter may be based at least partly on a system flow equation: SAMA | 07-05-2012 |
20120164921 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR POLISHING AND GRINDING A RADIUS SURFACE ON THE AXIAL END OF A CYLINDER - An apparatus and a method for forming or polishing a concave or convex radius surface on a work-piece is described herein. The apparatus includes a carrier that is configured to support a work-piece. A substantially hollow rotatable tool, which includes a circumferential surface for either forming or polishing the radius surface, is positioned adjacent the carrier. An axis of rotation of the tool is oriented at an oblique angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the work-piece and a longitudinal axis of the carrier. Alternatively, the longitudinal axis of the work-piece may be laterally offset from the longitudinal axis of the carrier. The apparatus further includes provisions for rotating the hollow rotatable tool for forming or polishing a radius surface on the surface of the work-piece. | 06-28-2012 |
20120152668 | BRAKE PLATE - A plate for a braking system of a motor vehicle includes a back plate, a friction layer and a particle damping device. | 06-21-2012 |
20120148427 | BATTERY OPERATED SOLAR CHARGED PUMP KIT UTILIZING AN INLINE SUBMERSIBLE PUMP - A rechargeable battery operated solar pump kit is provided to arrange in relation to a rain barrel, comprising comprises a solar panel, an inline submersible pump and a control box. The solar panel responds to solar energy, and provides solar power via an electrical terminal. The inline submersible pump is shaped to pass through an opening of the rain barrel, has a hose to extend out of the opening to discharge the rainwater from the rain barrel, and has a power cord to received electrical power to operate the inline submersible pump. The control box has a housing to contain a pipe fitting, a rechargeable battery, an electrical fitting and an on/off switch. The pipe fitting couples to the hose of the inline submersible pump in order to receive the rainwater being pumped from the rain barrel, and also couples to a garden hose to provide the rainwater being pumped. The rechargeable battery is coupled to the power cord of the inline submersible pump to provide the electrical power. The electrical fitting couples the rechargeable battery to the electrical terminal of the solar panel and receive the solar power in order to recharge the rechargeable battery. The on/off switch couples the rechargeable battery and the power cord of the inline submersible pump to turn the inline submersible pump on/off in order to pump the rainwater. | 06-14-2012 |
20120138583 | PLASMA ARC SYSTEMS WITH CUTTING AND MARKING FUNCTIONS - A plasma arc system includes a single-gas, gas-cooled plasma arc torch and a torch control unit. The torch control unit includes a housing and a user input device on the housing for receiving an indication of a desired cutting or marking function and for providing a responsive signal. A single gas supply both to the housing, and from the housing to the torch, is provided for cutting or marking. A current control device is located within the housing for controlling current output to the torch for either cutting or marking. A gas control device is located within the housing for controlling gas output to the torch for either cutting or marking. A controller is located within the housing for receiving the signal from the user input device indicating the desired cutting or marking function, and for sending a responsive signal to the current control and gas control devices depending on the desired cutting or marking function so that the torch operates accordingly. A related control until is disclosed. | 06-07-2012 |
20120138578 | ELECTRODE FOR PLASMA ARC TORCH AND RELATED PLASMA ARC TORCH - Electrodes are disclosed for use in a non-contact initiation plasma arc torch, the electrodes including an electrode body having a distal end opposing the outlet of the nozzle and a tapered section adjacent the distal end configured so that the electrode diameter decreases in the direction of the distal end. The electrode tapered section includes at least one discontinuity forming an edge, the edge being disposed as so to have an included angle of no greater than about 90 degrees. The configuration of the edge provides a localized enhancement of electrical field during non-contact initiation of a pilot arc using the electrode. The discontinuity and edge can be formed in various ways. Related torch designs including nozzles are disclosed. | 06-07-2012 |
20120123181 | Charged Seed Cloud as a Method for Increasing Particle Collisions and for Scavenging Airborne Biological Agents and Other Contaminants - A system and method is provided for increasing interaction between seed particles in a seed cloud and target particles to be neutralized, detected or knocked down to the ground. This is achieved by applying a charge to the seed particles so that the seed cloud formed by release of the seed particles at altitude is highly charged, which in turn produces a strong electric field between the seed cloud and ground. The relatively strong electric field causes the seed particles to move downward (toward the ground) at a velocity sufficient to increase interaction (collisions) between the seed particles and the target particles. | 05-17-2012 |
20120112417 | AXIAL FACE SEAL ASSEMBLY - An axial face seal arrangement, which is arranged for joint rotation with a drive shaft in a rotary machine, includes a base element and a moving part, wherein the base element is connectable to a drive shaft for joint movement therewith, the moving part presenting a sealing end face and being axially movable in relation to the base element and biased from the base element by a spring, wherein the moving part and the base element include at least one torque driver pin and at least one corresponding aperture into which the torque driver pin is displacably inserted for joint rotational movement of the moving part with the base element. At least one wear protection pin is arranged between the torque driver pin and the aperture at a force transmitting interface of the torque driver pin and the aperture. | 05-10-2012 |
20120107152 | MODULAR DIAPHRAGM PUMPING SYSTEM - The present invention provides apparatus featuring a pump system, including a modular diaphragm pump system, comprising pump modules and couplers, where the pump modules are configured to receive input feeds of fluid being drawn into the pump modules, to provide output feeds of fluid being pumped from the pump modules, and to receive gas feeds to drive the pump modules; where the couplers configured to receive a common input feed and to provide the input feeds of the fluid being drawn into the pump modules, to receive the output feeds and to provide a common output feed of the fluid being pumped from the pump modules; and to receive a common gas feed and to provide the gas feeds to drive the pump modules; and where the common gas feed causes the pump to provide a substantially constant almost pulsation free flow as one pump module becomes a master pump module and the other pump module becomes a slave pump module. | 05-03-2012 |
20120103897 | Underdrain Flume Plate - An underdrain flume plate for use in a filter including at least one central opening having an upstanding flange to interface with a cut-out in an underdrain lateral to form a passageway for connecting the lateral to the flume. The flume plate may also include at least one raised channel at each end of the plate with a solid or cut-away top surface, and/or holes and/or slots for connection of the flume plate to anchor rods and may be configured to overlap one another when placed side by side. The present invention also includes a method of installing underdrain laterals in a filter, including arranging a grid of anchor rods on a filter floor such that anchor rods are provided on both sides of the flume, and providing at least one underdrain flume plate adapted for attachment to the anchor rods such that the flume plate covers the flume. | 05-03-2012 |
20120098174 | WEIGHT COMPENSATING SHOCK ISOLATOR ASSEMBLY - A weight compensating shock isolator assembly includes at least one spring with preload to return the isolator to an initial position, the at least one spring exerting a spring force that changes during the isolator stroke. The isolator includes a hydraulic cylinder containing hydraulic fluid and a piston that moves relative to the hydraulic cylinder, wherein hydraulic fluid is forced through or around a piston head during relative movement thereof with respect to the hydraulic cylinder to create a resisting force that is stroke and velocity dependent, with the damping constant C changing with stroke. | 04-26-2012 |
20120097594 | HANDLE FOR UNDERDRAIN - An underdrain block including a top wall, a bottom wall, and a pair of sidewalls defining a hollow interior and having a longitudinal axis, wherein the sidewalls, top wall, or both comprise at least one external detail. A handle is detachably connected to the external detail for transportation and positioning of said underdrain block. The external detail may comprise one of a protrusion or a receptacle for receiving a protrusion and the handle may include the other of a protrusion or a receptacle for receiving a protrusion. Also, a method of installing an underdrain block lateral comprising at least one underdrain block including the steps of attaching a handle to external details on the underdrain block, lifting the underdrain block lateral by the handle, positioning the underdrain block lateral into the underdrain system, and detaching the handle from the external details of the underdrain block. | 04-26-2012 |
20120069433 | HOUSING MOUNTED IMAGE INTENSIFIER TUBE - An optical system includes an optical bench defining a mounting surface, an objective lens mounted to the optical bench, and an image intensifier tube. The image intensifier tube includes: (i) a housing defining an interior region and a mounting surface, and (ii) a photocathode bonded to a glass faceplate defining a faceplate surface, wherein the photocathode is positioned within the interior region of the housing, and wherein the mounting surface of the housing resides on the same plane as the faceplate surface. The mounting surface of the optical bench is mounted onto the mounting surface of the image intensifier tube housing such that the mounting surface of the optical bench resides on the same plane as the faceplate surface and the faceplate surface of the faceplate is the surface of the faceplate that is positioned closest to the objective lens. | 03-22-2012 |
20120067914 | SELF CENTERING HINGE DESIGN FOR CONCENTRIC SEALING OF AN ENCLOSURE - A waterproof, clam-shell style enclosure including a first cover, a second cover that is hingedly coupled to the first cover to pivot about an axis of rotation between an open state and a closed state defining an enclosed interior region of the enclosure, a seal positioned to limit or prevent the passage of fluid into the enclosed interior region of the enclosure, and a hinge that is configured to accommodate translation of the second cover with respect to the first cover in two different, perpendicular directions upon pivoting the second cover to a closed state to achieve uniform compression of the seal along its circumference. | 03-22-2012 |
20120066887 | METHOD OF ALIGNING AN IMAGING DEVICE IN AN OPTICAL SYSTEM - In an optical system including an optical bench and an imaging device that is configured to be mounted to the optical bench, a method of aligning the imaging device on the optical bench includes the steps of:
| 03-22-2012 |
20120044478 | Standoff Explosives Detector Using Deep-UV Raman Spectroscopy - A method of performing Raman spectroscopy, and an apparatus for performing the method, including irradiating, with laser light, a trace amount of a target substance disposed on a painted surface, receiving reflected laser light and a Raman return signal from the trace amount of the target substance, processing the Raman return signal using, at least, a spectrograph and camera to obtain a Raman signature for the target substance, and identifying the target substance based on the Raman signature for the target substance and a database of Raman signatures. The laser light wavelength may be selected based on a ratio of Raman return signal power to fluorescence power. | 02-23-2012 |
20120012958 | CHARGED PARTICLE COLLECTOR FOR A CMOS IMAGER - Charged particle sensing devices and methods of forming charged particle sensing devices are provided. The charged particle sensing device includes a source of charged particles, a plurality of collector electrodes for receiving a first portion of the charged particles and a grid formed around and spaced apart from the plurality of collector electrodes. The grid receives a second portion of the charged particles and directs backscattered charged particles, generated responsive to the second portion, to adjacent collector electrodes. | 01-19-2012 |
20110321159 | Dynamic Management of Role Membership - A method and system for dynamically managing entity membership in a role, using role configurations that comprise one or more dynamic role filters, which are linked to data sources such as databases or web services. The role filters are dynamic because, each time a role membership is queried, the role configuration and its component role filters must be evaluated with respect to the current information in the linked data sources. The roles may be used in role-based access control systems or entity identification systems. | 12-29-2011 |
20110321117 | Policy Creation Using Dynamic Access Controls - A method and system for dynamically managing access to assets such as an electronic document or a hardware component, using policies that comprise one or more dynamic access controls, which are linked to data sources such as databases or web services. The access controls are dynamic because, each time the policy is invoked, the policy and its component access controls must be evaluated with respect to the current information in the linked data sources. | 12-29-2011 |
20110320477 | Dynamic Icon Overlay System and Method of Producing Dynamic Icon Overlays - A dynamic icon overlay system of a present invention embodiment dynamically generates icon overlays to be applied to a primary file icon of a target file. The icon overlays convey information regarding the target file and are relevant to an end user. The icon overlay system determines icon overlays to be applied to the primary file icon based on attributes associated with an end user of the target file that are correlated with attributes of the target file itself. The system applies the icon overlay to the primary icon and displays the primary icon with the applied icon overlay at an end user system. The applied icon overlay for the same target file may vary for different end users based on user attributes. | 12-29-2011 |
20110290606 | VIBRATION DAMPING APPARATUS - An apparatus and method for damping vibrations within a physical object that is subject to vibration, such as for example, a railroad car running board. In one version, an enclosure is substantially filled with a granulated visco-elastic material, such as for example, granulated rubber, that is fixedly attached to the physical object. | 12-01-2011 |
20110289661 | SWITCH SYSTEM FOR HELMET MOUNTED ELECTRONIC DEVICE - Helmet-mounted switch systems are disclosed. A helmet-mounted switch system comprises a mount portion, an electronic device, a power source, at least one accelerometer, and a processor. The mount portion is rotatable around a rotation axis. The electronic device is mounted to the mount portion. The power source is configured to switchably supply power to the electronic device. The at least one accelerometer is operable to measure an acceleration of the mount portion. The system may also include at least one gyroscope operable to measure a rotation of the mount portion. The processor is configured to receive acceleration data. The processor is programmed to determine whether the mount portion is rotating around the rotation axis based on the acceleration data. The processor is programmed to change a power state of the electronic device when the mount portion is rotating around the rotation axis. | 12-01-2011 |
20110281149 | BATTERY PACK - A battery pack includes a battery compartment, a terminal plate positioned within the battery compartment for retaining at least two batteries within the battery compartment, and a cover for enclosing the battery compartment, wherein, upon enclosing the battery compartment with the cover, the cover is configured to urge an exterior surface of one of the at least two batteries against an exterior surface of another of the at least two batteries to establish both physical and thermal contact between the at least two batteries. | 11-17-2011 |
20110274434 | Technique for Simultaneously Transmitting Wide and Narrow Optical Beacon Signals - A technique for simultaneously transmitting wide and narrow optical beacon signals includes generating a laser beam and splitting the laser beam into a first signal on a first path and a second signal on a second path via a wavelength-dependent beamsplitter. A wide beacon signal having a first beam divergence is generated from the first signal, and a narrow beacon signal having a second, lesser beam divergence is generated from the second signal. The wavelength of the laser beam determines an allocation of the laser energy between the wide and narrow beacon signals based on transmittance/reflectance characteristic of the beamsplitter at that wavelength. The wide and narrow beacon signals are simultaneously transmitted in a overlaid manner into free space to support acquisition and tracking in a free-space optical communication system. The beamsplitter can simultaneously transmit or reflect substantially all of a data signal at a different wavelength. | 11-10-2011 |
20110274432 | Amplification of Interleaved Optical Signals - A technique for generating a data signal and a beacon signal for free space optical communications involves generating a data signal having a first optical wavelength and a beacon signal having a second optical wavelength. The data signal is encoded with data via modulation at a first modulation rate. The beacon signal is an inverted version of the data signal and can be further modulated at a second modulation rate that is less than the first modulation rate. The data and beacon signals are optically combined to produce a combined signal in which power attributable to the beacon signal is interleaved with and substantially non-overlapping temporally with power attributable to the data signal. The combined signal is amplified via a fiber amplifier, and the combined signal is supplied to transmitter optics for transmitting the data signal and the beacon signal into free space. | 11-10-2011 |
20110267519 | HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE APPROACH FOR A CMOS IMAGER USING A ROLLING SHUTTER AND A GATED PHOTOCATHODE - An imaging system includes a photocathode, configured to be gated ON/OFF at a selected gating frequency, for converting photons from an object into electrons and selectively transmitting the electrons toward an imaging sensor. The imaging sensor is configured to receive the electrons and provide a rolling shutter read out of rows of pixels. The imaging sensor includes a variable well selectively set to charge the rows of pixels to a first intensity level during a first integration period and charge to a second intensity level during a second integration period. The second integration period is longer than an OFF time of the photocathode gating frequency. The first and second integration periods are equal to a frame duration of the imaging sensor, defining a number of frames per second, and the selected gating frequency of the photocathode is higher than the number of frames per second. | 11-03-2011 |
20110261204 | REMOTE ACTIVATION OF IMAGERY IN NIGHT VISION GOGGLES - The present invention relates a system for displaying images. The system includes a user display for viewing images, a first sensor for capturing a first image and a second sensor for capturing a second image. A switch mounted on a hand grip of a weapon is toggled by the user to alternately display the first image and the second image. | 10-27-2011 |
20110260608 | SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY FOR MCP LOCKDOWN - An image intensifier tube includes a microchannel plate (MCP) having conductive input and output surfaces disposed in a housing. A conductive lower support is in electrical contact with the output surface of the MCP, and a conductive upper support is disposed above the input surface of the MCP. A shape memory alloy (SMA) lockdown is disposed between the input surface of the MCP and the upper support. The SMA lockdown is configured to provide a lockdown for the MCP in the housing. An SMA upper surface is configured to provide an axial force against the upper support, and an SMA lower surface is in contact with the input surface of the MCP. | 10-27-2011 |
20110250883 | Monitoring of Network Call Activity in a Satellite-Based Communication System - A network monitoring system includes data source routers, data servers, and user interface modules for depicting visual data presentations that show call activity within a satellite-based communication network. The data source routers capture signaling data from a terrestrial portion of the network and supply the signaling data to the data servers. The user interface modules request selected data from the data servers based on selected display filtering settings and generate the visual data presentations, including a geo view, a satellite activity grid, and a message view. The geo view shows a time progression of live or recorded call activity data on a map. The satellite activity grid organizes a time-progression of live or recorded call activity on a two-dimensional grid representing each satellite spot beam in the system. The message view shows a detailed listing of individual messages that have occurred within selected call flows in the network. | 10-13-2011 |
20110249688 | Maintaining Time of Day Synchronization - A technique for maintaining time synchronization between network nodes involves broadcasting a timing signal from a source node to its neighbors. The timing signal is transmitted in a dedicated source time slot of a super epoch comprising a number of epochs each having a number of time slots. A reply timing signal is received at the source node from a neighboring node designated as the destination node, where the reply timing signal is received in a dedicated destination time slot of the super epoch. The clock drift and propagation delay between the source and destination nodes are computed at the source node. At the neighboring nodes other than the destination node, clock drift can be computed using previous estimates of propagation delay. RTS and CTS exchanges from PTP packets can also be used to estimate the propagation delay in the source node and the clock drift in the destination node. | 10-13-2011 |
20110249528 | MIXER ASSEMBLY - A mixer assembly for generating and maintaining a motion within a volume of liquid, the mixer assembly including a motor, a drive shaft and a propeller connected to the drive shaft. When the propeller is in operation, it is driven by the motor and rotates about a propeller axis. The mixer assembly's motor comprises a stator and a hybrid type rotor. The hybrid rotor includes a rotor core comprising an annular radially outer section of asynchronous type and an annular radially inner section of synchronous type arranged radially inside the annular radially outer section. | 10-13-2011 |
20110248414 | AERATION DIFFUSER ASSEMBLY END SEAL - An aeration assembly includes an end fitting having a top piece for attachment to a diffuser member. A gasket extends beneath the top piece. The aeration assembly may include a diffuser member with the end fitting. In one embodiment, the diffuser member has a hollow conduit section and a flange section. The flange section includes a series of openings extending along a length of the diffuser member. The openings extend through the flange section to an interior space in the conduit section. | 10-13-2011 |
20110237842 | UV REACTOR FOR CHEMICAL REACTIONS AND USE THEREOF - An ultraviolet (UV) reactor for carrying out chemical reactions in a pumpable medium by means of UV. The pumpable medium may also be, where appropriate, a multi-phase medium. The UV reactor has a reactor chamber through which the medium can flow In a direction of flow from an inlet to an outlet. The reactor chamber is penetrated by a number of UV transparent jacket tubes, which are arranged one behind the other in the direction of flow. UV emitters are arranged within the jacket tubes for emitting UV radiation into the reactor chamber. The jacket tubes are arranged one behind the other and are interlocked against one another at an angle αin the circumferential direction of the reactor chamber. | 09-29-2011 |
20110227780 | Transmission Scheduling for ADS-B Ground Systems - System and methods for reducing redundant messages broadcast in an Automatic Dependent Surveillance—Broadcast (ADS-B) system. For a given target, a controller determines the relevant customers that should receive information about the target, identifies all of the ground stations that can be satisfactorily heard by the relevant customers, and then identifies a smaller subset of ground stations by selecting only those ground stations that are needed to reach all of the relevant customers. ADS-B messages are then broadcast to the relevant customers using only the smaller subset of ground stations. | 09-22-2011 |
20110224844 | Close-Spaced Leader-Follower Navigation Using Control Mimic - A method is provided for automatically controlling a first vehicle (follower vehicle) that is to follow a second vehicle (leader vehicle) in a desired manner with respect to movement of the second vehicle. In the follower vehicle, bearing and acceleration control inputs are generated based on data representing bearing and acceleration control inputs made at the leader vehicle and a position of the follower vehicle relative to the leader vehicle so as to mimic in the follower vehicle the bearing and acceleration control inputs made in the leader vehicle. Adjustments may be made to the control inputs applied in the follower vehicle based on deviation between the velocity of the follower vehicle and velocity of the leader velocity, and on deviation between estimated (actual) follow distance and lateral offset and target follow distance and lateral offset between the follower vehicle and the leader vehicle. | 09-15-2011 |
20110216626 | DIGITAL HYDROPHONE - A digital underwater acoustic sensor system is disclosed. The system can include an acoustic sensor configured to detect an underwater acoustic signal and form an analog signal proportional to the underwater acoustic signal. The acoustic sensor can include an interior cavity. A digital communication module can be positioned within the interior cavity. The digital communication module comprises an amplifier configured to amplify the analog signal. An analog to digital converter is configured to convert the analog signal to a digital signal. A digital signal transmission module is configured to communicate the digital signal to a receiver. | 09-08-2011 |
20110215655 | Switching System For Multi-Channel Testing - A switching system for interfacing a single channel test equipment with a multi-channel device under test, the switching system including: an input connection for connecting to the single channel test equipment; an N-way switch having an N-way switch input coupled to the input connection, the N-way switch having N switch outputs; N output connections coupled to the N switch outputs, the N output connections for connecting to inputs of the multi-channel device under test; a controller coupled to the N-way switch for controlling a connection between the N-way switch input and one of the N switch outputs. | 09-08-2011 |
20110214767 | WATER DELIVERY SYSTEM AND VALVE FOR A SINK - A water delivery system is provided, comprising at least one sink with a faucet device comprising a cold water faucet part and a hot water faucet part, a cold water line to the at least one sink, a hot water line to the at least one sink, and a valve associated with the at least one sink allowing in an open state the transport of water between the hot water line and the cold water line and inhibiting in a closed state the transport of water between the hot water line and the cold water line, wherein the open state and the closed state of the valve depend solely on whether a differential pressure across the valve is below or above a threshold value. | 09-08-2011 |
20110188212 | CONNECTION OF A SYSTEM MODULE TO AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A system is provided that is securable to an electronic device. The system includes a module with a connection port that is configured to connect with a corresponding connection port of the electronic device. A securing structure is securable to portions of first ends of the module and electronic device to facilitate attachment of the module alongside the electronic device. When the module is attached to the electronic device with the securing structure, a side surface of the module engages with a corresponding side surface of the electronic device and the connection port of the module connects with the corresponding connection port of the connection device to establish an electrical connection between the module and the electronic device. | 08-04-2011 |
20110162730 | VALVE FOR A PRESSURE REGULATOR - A valve for a fuel pressure regulator includes a shaft defining a longitudinal axis. The shaft has a protuberance defining a mating surface that is positionable against a valve seat of the regulator and a flow surface that intersects the mating surface. A first angle is defined between the mating surface and a plane that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. A second angle is defined between the flow surface and a plane that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The first angle and the second angle are both oblique with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. | 07-07-2011 |
20110148236 | TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION TUNABLE MAGNETIC DAMPING - A damping apparatus is disclosed including at least one pair of magnets, a conducting member, a magnetic shunt, and a temperature sensing mechanism. The pair of magnets defines a gap therebetween. The magnets generate a magnetic flux circuit having a magnetic flux path within the gap and a magnetic flux return path outside the gap. The conducting member is positioned at least partially within the gap. The magnetic shunt is positioned at least partially within the magnetic flux return path of the magnets. The temperature sensing mechanism is coupled to the magnetic shunt. The temperature sensing mechanism is configured to control a position of the magnetic shunt based on a sensed temperature. | 06-23-2011 |
20110147146 | ENHANCED DAMPING USING CRYOGENIC COOLING - A damping apparatus is disclosed having at least one magnet, a conducting member movable relative to the magnet, a cryogenic fluid, and a channel that confines the cryogenic fluid in contact with the conducting member. The cryogenic fluid may maintain the conducting member at cryogenic temperatures, thereby increasing a damping force provided by the conducting member to a payload. | 06-23-2011 |
20110146623 | CONTROL MODULE REGULATING AND DELIVERING FUEL AND AIR TO A FUEL REFORMER - A control module for regulating and delivering quantities of compressed air and fuel to a fuel reformer is described herein. The control module includes a housing, a compressed air circuit coupled to a source of compressed air, and a fuel circuit coupled to a source of fuel. Each circuit includes: (i) a flow passageway formed in the housing that extends between an inlet port that is configured to be fluidly coupled to either the source of compressed air or the source of fuel and an outlet port that is configured to be fluidly coupled to the fuel reformer, (ii) a discrete valve positioned within the flow passageway that is configured to either permit or prevent the passage of fluid through the flow passageway, and (iii) a regulator valve positioned within the flow passageway that is configured to maintain a constant pressure differential across the flow passageway. | 06-23-2011 |
20110133582 | ENCAPSULATED SUBMERSIBLE PUMP - Apparatus is provided for use in a submersible pump, comprising; a stator having electrical windings and configured with a cavity to receive a rotor of a motor and to provide an electromotive force to drive the rotor arranged inside the cavity; a switch having circuitry configured to response to a level of fluid and control the operation of the stator; and electrical leads and connections configured to electrically couple the stator and the switch, and to provide power to operate the stator and the switch to drive the stator and to turn the electromotive force on and off to control the pumping of the fluid by submersible pump; the stator, the switch and electrical leads and connections being at least partly encapsulated in a material so as to form an encapsulated stator assembly with a watertight seal to prevent fluid from contacting the electrical windings, the circuitry of the switch and the electrical leads and connections. | 06-09-2011 |
20110127128 | FREQUENCY TUNABLE MAGNETIC DAMPING APPARATUS - A damping apparatus is disclosed comprising at least one pair of magnets and a conducting member. The at least one pair of magnets define a gap therebetween. The conducting member is coupled to a payload and positioned within the gap. The conducting member is configured to vibrate in response to a vibration of the payload. The conducting member comprises a conducting material. Vibration of the conducting member generates eddy currents in the conducting member, and the eddy currents generate a frequency-dependent damping force. The frequency-dependent damping force is adjustable based on the conducting material and a thickness of the conducting member. The conducting material and the thickness are selected to adjust the frequency-dependent damping force. | 06-02-2011 |
20110122011 | DIGITAL MULTI-CHANNEL ECM TRANSMITTER - An electronic countermeasure (ECM) transceiver including a receiver for sequentially receiving a plurality of signals in respective frequency sub-bands. A processor sequentially receives the plurality of signals and identifies the received signals as threats. The processor then generates ECM signals based on the threats and sequentially outputs the ECM signals to a transmitter. The transmitter simultaneously transmits the ECM signals in the respective frequency sub-bands to address the threats. | 05-26-2011 |
20110108139 | HIGH PRESSURE DUCKBILL VALVE AND INSERT - The present invention provides apparatus featuring a check valve featuring a duckbill valve configured to provide fluid and particulate; and an insert having a base portion configured to seat the insert inside the duckbill valve, and a W-shaped portion configured with an opening to pass the fluid and particulate through the duckbill valve and also configured to provide support for walls of the duckbill valve in response to back pressure caused by the fluid and particulate. | 05-12-2011 |
20110103495 | COMMUNICATIONS LINK REDUNDANCY INCLUDING MULTIPLE INPUT, MULTIPLE OUTPUT ARCHITECTURE - A communications network includes two base stations and a mobile station. The mobile station has at least one transceiver, and at least one splitter/combiner module, where each module is coupled to the at least one transceiver. At least two antennas are included, with each antenna coupled to the at least one splitter/combiner module. A controller selects at least one of the transceivers for communication with the two antennas, where one antenna is configured to communicate with one base station and the other antenna is configured to communicate with the other base station. Each transceiver includes a transmitter, a receiver and a switch. The switch selectively connects the transmitter or the receiver to a respective splitter/combiner module. | 05-05-2011 |
20110091320 | CIRCULATING PUMP - In order to provide a circulating pump, comprising a stator, a rotor, a bearing device with a convex bearing member and at least one concave bearing shell, via which the rotor is mounted for rotation, and an impeller which is connected non-rotatably to the rotor, which has improved lubrication possibilities and/or with which any axial lifting of the impeller can be prevented in an effective manner, it is provided for a shaft element to be connected non-rotatably to the rotor and non-rotatably to the impeller and for the shaft element to be guided through the bearing member and to be rotatable relative to the bearing member. | 04-21-2011 |
20110076168 | PORTABLE INLINE PUMP KIT - A portable inline pump kit is provided featuring a pump having a fluid output port configured to pump fluid, and having a quick disconnect power input connection to couple the pump to a source of power; a portable battery or battery pack having a power connection to be coupled by wiring to the pump; a connector having a bullet connector to couple to the quick connect power input connection of the pump, and having another bullet connector to couple to the power connection of the portable battery or battery pack; an alligator style battery connector having a bullet connector to couple to the input connection of the pump, and having a pair of alligator style battery clips to couple to terminals of a battery, including a car or boat battery; a cigarette lighter connector having a bullet connector to couple to the power input connection of the pump, and having a cigarette lighter power adapter to be coupled to a remote cigarette lighter in, e.g. a boat, a car; and a carrying case having a top case portion hingeably coupled to a bottom case portion, wherein one case portion is configured to receive, frictionally engage and store one or more of the pump, the portable battery or battery pack, the connector, the alligator style battery connector or the cigarette lighter connector, and wherein the other case portion is configured to receive, frictionally engage and store the one or more of the pump, the portable battery or battery pack, the connector, the alligator style battery connector or the cigarette lighter connector not being stored in the one case portion. | 03-31-2011 |
20110070107 | Disposable Pump Head - The present invention provides a pump, comprising: a disposable pump head having an input port and an output port, and being configured to be frictionally engaged to a motor so as to pump fluid into the input port, through the disposable pump head, and out the output port; and a canister having a cover and a latching arrangement, and configured with an interior cavity dimensioned to receive the disposable pump head, the cover configured to close and frictionally engage the disposable pump head and the motor. The cover has a compressible member, like a pad, dimensioned so as to push a top surface of the disposable pump head so as to frictionally engage the disposable pump head and the motor. The cover may be arranged on a hinge. The latching arrangement may comprise a part for grabbing a lip of the cover. The disposable pump head may be diaphragm pump comprising an upper housing, a valve housing, reciprocating pistons, a diaphragm, an outer piston plate, a bearing housing and a cam for coupling to a shaft of the motor. | 03-24-2011 |
20110063611 | QUANTUM EFFICIENCY ENHANCEMENT DEVICE FOR ARRAY DETECTORS - Systems and methods for increasing the quantum efficiency of a photocathode used in an intensified an intensified array detector with a photocathode, such as a charge-coupled device (ICCD) are presented. A quantum efficiency enhancement device is disposed in front of an ICCD and is configured to enable or facilitate an increase in the angle of incidence of incoming rays incident on the photocathode. The ICCD itself may be tilted to achieve an increased angle of incidence, and such tilting is preferably only in a direction in which pixel columns of the ICCD extend such that a plane of incidence of incoming light to the ICCD is perpendicular to a direction of wavelength dispersion. The quantum efficiency enhancement device may include re-imaging optics, an optical tilt compensator and optical coupler. | 03-17-2011 |
20110061963 | Universal Actuation and Control of Steering Mechanisms for Mobile Vehicles - An actuation and control system for a steering mechanism of a mobile vehicle includes a motor including a drive shaft that is rotatable in two opposing directions, a securing structure configured to be secured to the steering mechanism of the mobile vehicle, and a linking structure that couples the motor with the securing structure. The system is configured such that rotational motion of the drive shaft is imparted to the securing structure to facilitate control of the steering mechanism of the mobile vehicle. The system is relatively easy to assemble and install and in a mobile vehicle and can be used with a variety of different vehicles to facilitate remote and/or unmanned navigational control of a mobile vehicle. | 03-17-2011 |
20110058961 | COMBINED OIL LEVEL OR CONDITION SENSOR AND SIGHT OIL LEVEL GAGE - The invention provides an oil level or condition sensor featuring a housing and a baffle or plate arrangement arranged in the housing, where the baffle or plate arrangement forms a capacitor when the housing is filled with oil, the baffle or plate arrangement being responsive to a signal, for providing an oil level or condition sensor signal containing information about the level or condition of the oil in the housing. The baffle or plate arrangement may include one or more plates or a single or multiple star shaped baffles. The one or more plates or multiple star shaped baffles are spaced apart to form the capacitor. The level or condition of the oil within the baffle or plate arrangement changes the inductance. The single or multiple star shaped baffles each have a small hole in the center which provides a visual indication of the oil level. The housing has a transparent window. The inductance change can be measured and used to send alarms or warnings. | 03-10-2011 |
20110044169 | Method and Apparatus for Early Warning of Congestion in Ad-Hoc Wireless Networks - The present invention embodiments bypass congested links in a multi-hop Ad-Hoc wireless network. Initially, congestion is measured at each network node based on channel utilization for both transmission and reception of TDMA and CSMA messages. The measured utilization is quantized to conserve transmission bandwidth. Non-uniform quantization is applied to enable the measured utilization to be quantized to the highest value within the quantization range prior to occurrence of congestion, thereby effectively providing early notification of the congestion. The quantized utilization is distributed with the original use costs of a communication link to the remaining network nodes by a Link State Advertisement (LSA) flood and supplemental ACK and/or HELLO packets. After a network node receives the quantized utilization, the link cost is updated and used to select a routing path that minimizes the total costs from the source node to the destination node for a multi-hop network. | 02-24-2011 |
20110043616 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DYNAMICALLY ENHANCING DEPTH PERCEPTION IN HEAD BORNE VIDEO SYSTEMS - Systems and methods for viewing image data. The system includes a head borne image source, a controller, an eyepiece lens assembly and a display device. The head borne image source images an object and provides the image data. The controller determines a focus adjustment from a focus position of the head borne image source. The display device receives and displays the image data to a user's eye via the eyepiece lens assembly. A distance between the eyepiece lens assembly and the display device is adjusted based on the focus adjustment responsive to the focus position. | 02-24-2011 |
20110037009 | NON-RETURN VALVE - The present invention relates to a non-return valve for a liquid piping system, comprising a valve housing and a valve member, which is movable between a first position, in which a flow path is blocked, and a second position, in which the flow path is un-blocked. The non-return valve comprises a non-return valve attachment comprising a housing, a piston assembly and an energy storing means, the piston assembly being axially movable in relation to said housing between a first active position, and a second position. In said second position the fluid pressure of said liquid drives the piston assembly against the action of the energy storing means away from said first position, such that the valve member is movable into said second position of the valve member. | 02-17-2011 |
20110031427 | SEALING ARRANGEMENT FOR A DIAPHRAGM VALVE - A diaphragm valve is disclosed. The diaphragm valve includes a valve body including a housing defining a fluid flow passageway and a valve seat. A bonnet assembly including a housing is mounted to the valve body. A diaphragm, a backing cushion and a resilient member are positioned between the bonnet assembly and the valve body. The resilient member is sandwiched between the housing of the bonnet assembly and the backing cushion for urging the backing cushion toward the diaphragm, thereby urging the diaphragm against the valve body. | 02-10-2011 |
20110017900 | MOUNTING BRACKET FOR A PUMP - A mounting bracket may include a base plate, at least one stationary clip disposed on the base plate, a push releasing plate disposed in spaced apart relation to the at least one stationary clip, and at least one movable clip operatively coupled to and movable with the push releasing plate. The stationary clip or clips and movable clip or clips are disposed and configured to mate with cavities in respective ends of a pump when the push releasing plate is in a non-pivoted position. | 01-27-2011 |
20110016522 | INTRUSION DETECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Systems and methods for intrusion and virus detection in computer networks. Data from a file, network byte stream, or other source is segmented and resulting data items are subjected to multiple processing techniques to obtain respective result values, or thumbprints. The multiple thumbprints for respective data items are then aggregated to obtain a single result value, or aggregate thumbprint. The components of the aggregate thumbprint may be “fuzzified” to allow for less preciseness in the single result value. The aggregate thumbprint is compared to other similarly generated aggregate thumbprints stored in a library. Alerts may be generated when the same aggregate thumbprint is detected multiple times. | 01-20-2011 |
20110007669 | Method and Apparatus for Controlling Packet Transmissions Within Wireless Networks to Enhance Network Formation - Network formation in wireless networks according to an embodiment of the present invention is enhanced based on control of network formation packet transmissions (e.g., Packet Radio Organizational Packet (PROP) transmissions). A source-initiated approach controls re-transmission of inquiry/reply PROP packets based on the presence of a neighboring node. This reduces the size and amount of PROP packets transmitted during neighbor discovery. In addition, the source-initiated approach controls re-transmission of PROP packets indicating a change in an upstream or control type node (e.g., LNC PROP). In this case, the node determines the presence of steady-state conditions (e.g., maintenance of conditions for the original LNC PROP transmission), and enables a single re-transmission of the LNC PROP packet, thereby reducing the transmission of unnecessary or duplicate LNC PROP packets (e.g., containing substantially the same information as previously transmitted packets since conditions have remained the same). | 01-13-2011 |
20110002791 | Pump System for Removing Water from Pool Covers and Sumps - A pump system or device is provided for removing water from a pool cover or sump, featuring a controller configured to respond to a signal containing information about the ambient temperature in relation to a pump and to provide a controller signal containing information to control the operation of the pump based at least partly on the ambient temperature. The pumping system or device me be configured to include some combination of the following: temperature sensing, including a Thermistor, to change control logic at temperatures below a specific level (e.g. below 35 degrees F.); the initiation of impeller cycling at low operating temperatures to avoid ice formation in the impeller cavity and/or hose, but not for level sensing; the use of temperature feedback to turn off pump at low temperatures that may result in damage to the system; the addition of control logic to ignore torque increases due to contamination or flow-back Inclusion of soft-start of motor to reduce stress on impeller/motor; the option to connect Garden-style hose with an integral heating element to avoid freezing; a heating element to receive power from the pump via, e.g., a plug connector, where power to the heating element is supplied only when the temperature device is activated at some specified setting; the addition of a temperature sensor to render the pump inoperative if the temperature should fall below a set point (freezing); and/or the use of a field effect level sensor, such that the temperature sensing is substantially independent of the level of sensing device. | 01-06-2011 |
20100323557 | FLUID RESISTANT CONNECTOR AND SYSTEM - An elastomer moisture resistant connector for at least one conductor disposed at least partially within a jacket of elastomer material. The connector has a first elastomer portion, which has a first end and a second end. The first end of the first elastomer portion is adapted to be compressed against a support. The connector also has a second elastomer portion that is integrally molded with the first elastomer portion and extends from the second end of the first elastomer portion, and is configured to enclose at least a portion of the jacket. The connector also has a third elastomer portion that is integrally molded with the first elastomer portion, protrudes from the second end of the first elastomer portion, and is adapted to be compressed by an enclosure. | 12-23-2010 |
20100306299 | Circuits and Methods for Performing Exponentiation and Inversion of Finite Field Elements - An exponentiation circuit for computing an exponential power of a finite field element includes combinatory logic circuits that map input digits of a multi-digit field element P to output digits of an output multi-digit field element β | 12-02-2010 |
20100304708 | Methods and Apparatus for Accurately Determining Signal Time of Arrival - A technique for determining the time of arrival of a signal involves correlating a received signal with a correlation function to produce a stream of correlation samples including a peak sample, pre-peak samples, and post-peak samples. A curve matching table includes sets of values, where each set of values represents discrete points of a correlation function having a peak at a respective different time shift relative to the timing of the peak sample. The sets of values include first sets of values that are matched with a first set of samples having no post-peak samples from the correlation samples, and second sets of values that are matched with a second set of samples having at least one post-peak sample. The time of arrival of the signal is determined from the timing of the peak of the correlation function represented by the set of values that produces the best match. | 12-02-2010 |
20100302282 | LASER AIMING SPOT DISTINGUISHING METHODS AND APPARATUS - System and methods for distinguishing a laser aiming spot associated with a particular firearm from other laser aiming spots are disclosed. The laser aiming spot may be distinguished by imaging a field of view, the field of view including the laser aiming spot and the other laser aiming spots, identifying the laser aiming spot associated with the particular firearm within the imaged field of view, modifying the imaged field of view to distinguish the identified laser aiming spot from the other laser aiming spots, and displaying the modified imaged field of view. | 12-02-2010 |
20100277723 | Systems and Methods For Remote Unmanned Raman Spectroscopy - A Raman spectroscopy sensor integrated with an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) includes a UGV having a robot arm and a camera mounted on the robot arm. A laser and telescope associated with a Raman sensor are mounted on the robot arm in such a way as to point in substantially the same direction in which the camera is pointed. A Raman spectral data acquisition and control module is mounted on the UGV and is configured to receive Raman spectral data from the telescope. A remote base station having a display and a data processing and analysis module is configured to receive data from the data acquisition and control module and to display for an operator images from the camera and information related to the Raman sensor. An autofocus system is preferably employed to automatically control telescope focus and thereby enable the Raman sensor to operate over a wide range, e.g., 0.5 m to 10 m. | 11-04-2010 |
20100268519 | Simulation Cache to Expedite Complex Modeling and Simulation Processes - A method is provided for determining optimum positions in a region for a plurality of sensors that are capable of detecting occurrence of a hazard in the region. The hazard may be a chemical, biological, and/or radiological hazard in solid, liquid or gas form. A “simulation cache” is provided that stores data representing interaction of the hazard with sensors at each of the plurality of candidate locations in the region for each of the plurality of sensor types. Data is then retrieved from the simulation cache as needed for evaluation a particular candidate sensor solution comprising one or more sensors of one or more sensor types at corresponding ones of the candidate locations. An optimization algorithm may be used to select a candidate sensor solution. The data that is retrieved from the simulation cache for a selected candidate sensor solution is evaluated with respect to certain performance criteria. The simulation cache greatly reduces the time required to generate an optimum sensor layout because it separates the hazard modeling and sensor performance modeling from the optimization algorithm. By capturing this data at one time for storage in the simulation cache, it is not necessary to re-run the hazard simulations for each candidate sensor location generated by the optimization algorithm. | 10-21-2010 |
20100264310 | GANGED FOCUS MECHANISM FOR AN OPTICAL DEVICE - An optical device for viewing an image is provided. The optical device includes two optical channels, each optical channel including an image detector assembly and a complimentary objective lens assembly spaced by a respective distance from the image detector assembly. A focus mechanism is either directly or indirectly coupled to both image detector assemblies. The focus mechanism includes two threaded segments having an unequal thread pitch. Each image detector assembly includes a mating threaded segment that is threadedly coupled to a respective threaded segment of the focus mechanism such that rotation of the focus mechanism causes translation of both image detector assemblies at unequal rates by virtue of the unequal thread pitch of the threaded segments of the focus mechanism. | 10-21-2010 |
20100264260 | MECHANISM FOR FOLDING, SWEEPING, AND LOCKING VEHICLE WINGS ABOUT A SINGLE PIVOT - A wing pivot mechanism that is configured to pivot two wings about a single pivot axis of a vehicle, such as an aircraft. The wing pivot mechanism includes a hub, a set of gears positioned at least partially within an interior region of the hub, and two wings that are rotatably connected to the hub. Each wings includes a gear surface extending therefrom. Each gear of the hub assembly engages a gear of a respective wing such that rotation of the gears of the hub assembly causes rotation of the gears of the wings and pivoting of the wings about the single pivot axis in opposite rotational directions between a stowed position and a deployed position. A releasable locking mechanism is provided for locking the wings in a fixed rotational position in both the deployed position and the stowed position. | 10-21-2010 |
20100263458 | SELF CONTAINED INLINE FIELD EFFECT FLUID DETECTION - A fluid detection device features a collection container having an inlet port for coupling to a fluid line of the fluid source and an outlet port for coupling to a corresponding fluid line of the pump; and a circuit board containing a water detection sensor configured to respond to the presence of fluid in the collection container and provide a water detection sensor signal for activating or deactivating the pump for pumping the fluid from the collection container. The fluid detection device may take the form of an inline field effect fluid detection device that includes the collection container having at least one inlet port, at least one outlet port, a mesh filter and the circuit board containing the at least one water detection sensor to measure the presence of the fluid, e.g. water, and the circuit technology (e.g. field effect sensing) to activate the pump. At least two wires would exit the device that will connect to the power source and the pump. | 10-21-2010 |
20100260207 | Ranging Between Radios Using Pseudo Time of Arrival Sequence - Systems and methods for refining the determination of the time of arrival (TOA) of given data. A portion of packet data is designated to be used as a pseudo TOA sequence. The packet information is modulated using, e.g., BPSK, and thereafter spread with a chipping stream known at both source and destination radios. The resulting stream includes a TOA reference pattern. On the receive side (destination radio), receive samples are despread and demodulated. The despread data is then XOR'ed with the chipping stream to re-create the TOA reference pattern. The re-created TOA reference pattern and original receive samples (previously stored) are passed through a correlator to obtain a correlation profile, which is then used for curve fitting/interpolation to accurately determine the TOA of the given received sample. Embodiments may be used in conjunction with a radio ranging system. | 10-14-2010 |
20100245608 | ADAPTIVE METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EXTRACTING A BRIGHT IMAGE FROM A THERMAL IMAGE - An image processor computes a raw histogram for an unprocessed raw digital image. The image processor positions a clip point at an intensity level within the raw image histogram. The pixels having an intensity level less than the intensity level of the clip point are blacked-out (reduced in intensity). The remaining illuminated pixels are displayed. | 09-30-2010 |
20100237097 | POSITIVE AIR SHUT OFF DEVICE FOR BAG-IN-BOX PUMP - The present invention provides a device for turning off a pump. In operation, when the device is activated there is vacuum pressure in a syrup chamber. A diaphragm acting in response to the vacuum causes a piston assembly in the syrup chamber to move in the one direction (e.g. right), thus compressing a W-shaped spring in the air chamber. As the piston assembly moves, a spring holder of the W-shaped spring also moves to the one direction. As the W-shaped spring is compressed over and passed the most compressed position, the W-shaped spring moves a valve assembly in the air chamber to an opposite direction (e.g. left) and blocks a hole in a spool that otherwise allows air to pass through the air chamber to activate the pump. When the air is stopped, this turns off the pump. | 09-23-2010 |
20100215515 | Pump unit as well as a pump and a discharge connection - In a first aspect the invention relates to a pump unit comprising a discharge connection ( | 08-26-2010 |
20100210147 | CONNECTORS TO CONNECT ELECTRONIC DEVICES - A connector for electrically connecting an electronic device to another device includes an outer shell with a front surface that terminates at a front side of the connector, an inner core at least partially disposed within the outer shell and including a front surface that is recessed within the outer shell, and a plurality of electrical connecting elements at least partially disposed within the inner core and extending from the front surface of the inner core. The plurality of electrical connecting elements includes a first set of electrical connecting elements and a second set of at least one electrical connecting element, and the first set of electrical connecting elements includes five connecting elements that are arranged in a pentagon pattern. The connector facilitates the transmission of audio signals between devices and also additional analog or digital signals or the transmission of a power supply between the devices. | 08-19-2010 |
20100194630 | Optimized Beamforming for Satellite Communication - A method for determining beamforming weights used onboard a satellite and ground-based beamforming weights used in a ground-based station as part of a satellite communication system. This beamforming method is a two-stage beamforming process that requires a reduced downlink bandwidth between the satellite and the ground-based station yet achieves optimal signal-to-noise ratio for bandwidth allocated for the downlink. values for the fixed onboard beamforming weights are computed to yield a maximum, | 08-05-2010 |
20100191506 | Data Quality And Ancillary Data Checking For Raman Sensor - Systems and methods for operating, particularly in the field, a Raman spectroscopy device that includes a laser, a spectrograph, an intensified charge coupled device (ICCD), and an autofocus subsystem. Before spectral data acquisition commences a series of ancillary data checks is performed to monitor operating conditions of at least the laser, the ICCD, and the autofocus subsystem. Further, after each Raman spectrum acquisition, a series of data quality checks is performed to enhance confidence in the just collected data. Only spectral data that passes the data quality checks are further processed. However, all spectral data are stored in a log file. When the log file reaches a predetermined capacity, the log file is closed, and a new round of ancillary data checks is performed to again monitor the status of the Raman spectroscopy device. | 07-29-2010 |
20100183271 | MICROCHANNEL PLATE (MCP) HAVING AN ASYMMETRIC PACKING PATTERN FOR HIGHER OPEN AREA RATIO (OAR) - A boule for making a multichannel plate (MCP) includes (a) at least two sets of rows of fibers, each set arranged to form a hexagonally shaped boundary of fibers, and (b) an additional row of fibers disposed between the two sets of hexagonally shaped boundary of fibers. The additional row of fibers includes a horizontally oriented row of fibers, which is packed on top of a horizontally oriented boundary of fibers. A fiber of the horizontally oriented row of fibers of the boundary is packed adjacent to two consecutive fibers of the additional row of fibers, forming a triangular shape of fibers. The triangular shape of fibers forms a maximum open area ratio (OAR) of at least 90 percent. | 07-22-2010 |
20100182901 | Energy-Efficient Network Protocol and Node Device for Sensor Networks - An “on-demand” approach for a routing protocol for a wireless network that achieves balanced energy consumption among all participating nodes in the network. Synchronization messages transmitted by nodes associated with an upstream node include local node information (LNI) that a node can use to repair or bypass a lost upstream node in a real or virtual (temporary) manner depending upon the local node's battery level. Only if a repair process fails will a global re-organization (Re-Org) be initiated. The LNI also allows for nodes having lower power availability (battery level) not to transmit the LNI so that unaffiliated node(s) can select an upstream node having more power availability thereby extending network life. | 07-22-2010 |
20100182700 | LOW STRAY LIGHT VEILING GLARE OBJECTIVE LENS FOR NIGHT VISION SYSTEMS - A lens includes first and second opposing surfaces extending radially from an optical axis in an optical system for passing light received from an object. The lens includes a peripheral edge extending between the first and second surfaces. A portion of the peripheral edge has at least either a positive slope or a negative slope with respect to the optical axis. The positive or negative slope of the peripheral edge is configured to reduce glare from stray light received from the first surface. A portion of the peripheral edge may be shaped in a sawtooth pattern or an approximate sinusoidal pattern. The peripheral edge of the lens is also configured to direct light that is received from the object toward light traps which are disposed adjacent to the lens. | 07-22-2010 |
20100180364 | SIDE POSITIONED VISION ENHANCEMENT DEVICE MOUNT - A device mount for mounting a vision enhancement device to an article worn on a user's head includes a first adjustment member operable to move a mounted vision enhancement device in a cranial-caudal direction with respect to the user. A second adjustment member which extends from the first adjustment member is operable to move a mounted vision enhancement device along a medial-lateral adjustment axis with respect to the user. A third adjustment member includes an extension arm extending from the second adjustment member that rotates with respect to the medial-lateral adjustment axis of the second adjustment member. A helmet apparatus includes a device mount and power supply that are offset from an anterior-posterior axis of the helmet in a counterbalancing arrangement. | 07-22-2010 |
20100153159 | PROJECT TIMELINE VISUALIZATION METHODS AND SYSTEMS - Methods, systems, and computer readable storage mediums for presenting project information are disclosed. Project information may be presented by receiving electronic planning information associated with a project, where the received electronic planning information includes at least one milestone associated with two or more phases of the project and occurring during the two or more phases. The received electronic planning information is then transformed into a graphical representation of the received electronic planning information for visual presentation to a user and presented for perception by the user. The presented graphical representation includes two or more bars corresponding to the two or more phases and a connection between the two or more bars corresponding to a time at which the milestone occurs. | 06-17-2010 |
20100150350 | Method and Apparatus for Key Expansion to Encode Data - An encoder according to the present invention embodiments employs a key expansion module to expand an encryption key by using logic and available clock cycles of an encryption process or loop. The key expansion module generates control signals to enable key expansion data to be injected at appropriate times into the encryption loop (e.g., during available clock cycles of the encryption loop) to perform the key expansion, thereby utilizing the resources of the encryption loop for key expansion. The key expansion module dynamically accounts for varying key lengths, and enables the encryption loop to combine the data being encrypted with proper portions of the expanded key. The use of encryption logic and available clock cycles of the encryption loop for the key expansion reduces the area needed by the encoder on a chip and enhances encoder throughput. | 06-17-2010 |
20100149633 | COLLIMATED INTENSIFIED VISION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF COLLIMATING - An optical system includes an optical assembly frame having an input portion, an output portion, and an objective lens assembly disposed at the input portion of the optical assembly frame. The objective lens assembly has an objective lens central optical axis. An eyepiece lens assembly is disposed at the output portion of the frame. The eyepiece lens assembly has an eyepiece lens central optical axis parallel to the objective lens central optical axis and offset from the objective lens central optical axis by a distance. An inverting image intensifier is disposed between the objective lens assembly and the eyepiece lens assembly. The image intensifier has an image intensifier optical axis parallel to the objective lens central optical axis and parallel to the eyepiece lens central optical axis. The image intensifier optical axis is offset from both the objective lens central optical axis and the eyepiece lens central optical axis by about half the distance. | 06-17-2010 |
20100149386 | PIXEL REPLACEMENT USING FIVE NEAREST NEIGHBORS - An image processing system is provided for replacing a value of a defective pixel located along a center row of a region in an image. The region includes a center row, a previous row located above the center row and a subsequent row located below the center row. The image processing system includes a buffer for storing values of pixels located in the previous row and the center row. The image processing system also includes a selector for selecting a plurality of pixel values located in the previous row and the center row that are adjacent to the location of the defective pixel, without selecting a pixel value on the subsequent row. The image processing system further includes a calculator for determining a replacement value for the defective pixel from values of the selected pixels located in the previous row and the center row. | 06-17-2010 |
20100143098 | PUMP ASSEMBLY AND METHOD - The invention refers to a pump assembly, and more specifically to a chopping pump assembly comprising a cutting wheel mounted on a drive shaft in coaxial and co-rotational relation with a pump wheel, and a cutting plate stationary mountable in a pump housing between the cutting wheel and the pump wheel, the cutting plate having perforations forming passages there through for a liquid to be transported by the pump wheel in rotation, the cutting wheel and cutting plate in co-operation providing a shearing interface effective for cutting solid matter which may be entrained in the liquid. An axial clearance between the cutting wheel and cutting plate is established at all times by eliminating an axial play in a threaded engagement between the cutting wheel and the drive shaft. The invention also refers to a method by which an operative shearing action is securable in the pump assembly. | 06-10-2010 |
20100137148 | System and Method for Radioisotope Identification - A system and method are providing for analyzing radiation signature data (i.e., spectral data) produced by a detector device against stored data representing the computed interaction of known radioisotopic spectra with a representative cross section for each of a small number of material groups. Each material group comprises materials expected to be in a detection path of the detector and which exhibit similar cross sections. Comparative analysis is made of the spectral data received from the detector for threat materials to determine whether the spectral data indicates presence of a threat material in the interrogated space. The system and method is not limited to any particular detector type, and may be used with any detector that produces spectral data. | 06-03-2010 |
20100135033 | SEARCHLIGHT HAVING PULL-IN BEZEL RETENTION FOR MARINE APPLICATIONS - A searchlight is provided featuring a bezel pull-in retention assembly having a frame and a housing. The frame has a back plate configured with at least one opening to receive a fastening device. The housing is configured with a front end opening for receiving the frame, configured with a back end opening having an outer rim for receiving a seal plate, the seal plate configured to be adapted in the rim of the back end opening, to receive the fastening device and to fixedly couple the frame to the housing. | 06-03-2010 |
20100131207 | GAS FLUX DETERMINATION USING AIRBORNE DIAL LIDAR AND AIRBORNE WIND MEASUREMENT - A system for obtaining emission flux of a gas plume, emanating from a source, includes an airborne differential absorption lidar (DIAL) system for determining multiple concentration path length (CPL) values along a flight path; and an airborne wind measuring system (WMS) for determining a wind vector at the aircraft altitude. Also included is a processor for receiving the multiple CPL values determined by the DIAL system and the wind vector determined by the WMS. The processor uses the CPL values to compute either (a) an area-integrated concentration (AIC) value or (b) an average concentration value over a cross-plume extent, defined along the length dimension of the flight path. The processor also scales the wind vector to the near ground altitude level of the gas plume to obtain a scaled wind vector. The emission flux is obtained by multiplying either the AIC value or the average concentration value with a component of the scaled wind vector. The component of the scaled wind vector is defined by a vector perpendicular to the length dimension of the flight path. | 05-27-2010 |
20100128560 | MIXER AND METHOD FOR MIXING A LIQUID IN A BASIN - The invention relates to a mixer for mixing a liquid in a basin, comprising a first mixer element turnable around a first axis of rotation. Furthermore, said mixer ( | 05-27-2010 |
20100128355 | FLAT FIELD EYEPIECE - A lens system includes a first lens axially aligned with a second lens, where the first and second lenses are configured to be sequentially positioned from a pupil image of a viewer. The second lens is formed as a triplet having three cemented elements. The second lens includes a convex surface facing the first lens, and a flat surface opposing the convex surface of the second lens. The first lens includes a concave surface opposing a flat surface of the first lens; the second lens includes a concave surface and a convex surface; and the concave surface of the first lens and the concave and convex surfaces of the second lens have equal radii of curvatures. | 05-27-2010 |
20100128040 | PROJECT TIMELINE VISUALIZATION METHODS AND SYSTEMS - Methods, systems, and computer readable storage mediums for presenting project information are disclosed. Project information may be presented by receiving electronic planning information associated with a project, the planning information including project resource data, transforming the received electronic planning information into a graphical representation of the received electronic planning information for visual presentation to a user and presenting the graphical representation of the received planning information for perception by the user, the presented graphical representation including one or more lines that varies in width symmetrically over time based on the project resource data. | 05-27-2010 |
20100127675 | LOW VOLTAGE POWER SUPPLY - A buck regulator for converting an input DC voltage, V | 05-27-2010 |
20100119365 | SUBMERSIBLE CENTRIFUGAL PUMP WITH NORMAL AND EJECTOR MODES OF OPERATION - The present invention relates to a submersible centrifugal pump assembly comprising an impeller suspended in the end of a drive shaft, and driven in rotation relative to an impeller seat which is stationary in normal operation and which defines an axial intake for liquid to be transported by the impeller in rotation. The pump assembly is characterized in that the impeller seat is journalled in a pump housing for limited rotational movements in opposite directions of rotation relative to the pump housing, and in rotation controlled in guide means for limited linear displacements in opposite axial directions relative to the impeller. | 05-13-2010 |
20100118539 | SEARCHLIGHT HAVING ROTATIONAL BEAM FOCUS FOR MARINE APPLICATIONS - A searchlight is provided featuring a searchlight having a searchlight assembly and a searchlight control circuitry module. The searchlight assembly has a central axis and includes a ramped insert and a light source socket arrangement. The ramped insert is configured with an angled surface that is oblique in relation to the central axis. The light source socket arrangement is configured to receive a bulb or light source for providing the light beam, is also configured with a corresponding angled surface that is also oblique in relation with to the central axis, and is also configured to respond to an applied force and rotate so as to move axially along the central axis in relation to the ramped insert. | 05-13-2010 |
20100116584 | NOISE ATTENUATOR FOR SIDE WALL PANEL - A noise attenuator for attaching a side wall panel to a frame that is exposed to vibratory loads and which includes a rigid core having a sleeve with two radially disposed end plates. A bracket encircles a portion of said sleeve between the end plates and is in non-contiguous relationship with the core. An elastomeric bushing is bonded to a portion of the bracket and the core with the exception of the outer faces of the end plates, which remain exposed. Voids are passed through the rear plate and extend axially between the bracket and the sleeve some length into the sleeve. Due to the geometry of the unit, the non-voided sections of the bushing are loaded in either a combination of tension and shear or compression and shear when the core is connected to a vibrating frame and the bracket is connected to a side wall panel. | 05-13-2010 |
20100108476 | DUAL INDEPENDENT PUSH BUTTON ROTARY KNOB ASSEMBLY - The present invention includes a knob assembly which provides rotational movement and translational travel along an axis of dual and independent rotary knobs. The present invention controls electronics within a housing, without requiring protrusion into the housing. Having no protrusions into the housing avoids exposure of the electronics within the housing to environmental contaminants or electromagnetic interference. The components of the dual independent push button rotary knob assembly may operate without need for O-rings, gaskets, or any other applied sealants to prevent containments from entering the housing. Assembly of the knob assembly is simplified, because the rotary knob assembly may be installed and replaced without any tools and without need to access the interior of the housing. Furthermore, if any part of the assembly is damaged, the rotary knob assembly, in part or whole, may be replaced without compromising any seal provided to the exterior surfaces of the housing. | 05-06-2010 |
20100102213 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ALIGNING AN IMAGE SENSOR - An imaging device and a method for aligning an image sensor within the imaging device are disclosed. The imaging device comprises a housing and an image sensor assembly including a header and an image sensor mounted to the header. The header of the image sensor assembly is coupled to the housing. Means for aligning the image sensor with respect to the header are provided. Means for aligning the header with respect to the housing of the imaging device are also provided. A distance separating the image sensor alignment means and the header alignment means is pre-determined such that a distance between the image sensor and the housing of the imaging device is pre-determined. | 04-29-2010 |
20100102209 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SEALING AN IMAGE INTENSIFIER DEVICE - A sealing structure for an optical device, such as an image intensifier device, is provided. The optical device includes an evacuated housing and an anode positioned within the evacuated housing. An interior sealing member extends from the anode. An exterior sealing member extends from a component of the image intensifier device, wherein the exterior sealing member is positioned to extend adjacent to and substantially parallel with the interior sealing member such that a gap is defined between the sealing members. A seal cup is positioned for sealing engagement with both the interior sealing member and the exterior sealing member to substantially maintain a vacuum condition within the housing. | 04-29-2010 |
20100102205 | VENTED HEADER ASSEMBLY OF AN IMAGE INTENSIFIER DEVICE - An image intensifier device and a method of fabricating the image intensifier device are disclosed. The image intensifier device includes a microchannel plate (MCP) having a thin-film applied to a surface thereof. An anode assembly comprising an image sensor mounted to a header is positioned adjacent the MCP. A spacer defining a mounting surface is positioned against a mounting surface of the header of the anode assembly for separating the MCP from the anode assembly. A recess is defined in either the header or the spacer at the interface between the header and the spacer. The recess forms a passageway defined between the spacer and the header thru which organic gases pass. | 04-29-2010 |
20100090703 | MOLECULAR SHIELD FOR AN IONIZATON VACUUM GAUGE - A system for measuring gas density in a vacuum includes a gauge, a housing for containing the gauge, and a magnet secured to an exterior surface of the housing. The magnet is a flexible magnetic strips, and positioned around the exterior surface of the housing. The gauge includes grid insulator posts extending longitudinally along a tubular section of the housing, and the magnet is secured to the exterior surface of the housing adjacent to the grid insulator posts, and oriented transversely to the grid insulator posts. The magnet is a flexible magnetic strip, and a clamp secures the magnet to the exterior surface of the housing. | 04-15-2010 |
20100090140 | Control utilizing non-contact switching for control and current sensing technology for operating a valve - The present invention provides a control device featuring a control module featuring one or more modules configured to provide a first control signal for controlling a first device in order to open or close a second device; and also configured to respond to a change in a parameter sensed in relation to controlling the first device, and to provide a second control signal for controlling the first device based at least partly on the change in the parameter in relation to time. The first device may be a motor; the second device is a valve; and the parameter may be current. In operation, the first control signal is for turning on the motor in order to open or close the valve, and the second control signal is for turning off the motor in order to open or close the valve. | 04-15-2010 |
20100086400 | INTAKE DEVICE AND A PUMP STATION - In a first aspect the invention relates to an intake device ( | 04-08-2010 |
20100084249 | SNAP-ON, PUSH BUTTON, ROTARY MAGNETIC ENCODER KNOB ASSEMBLY - The present invention includes a push button rotary knob assembly which provides rotational movement and translational travel along an axis. The present invention controls electronics within a housing, without requiring protrusion into the housing. Having no protrusions into the housing avoids exposure of the electronics within the housing to environmental contaminants or electromagnetic interference. The components of the push button rotary knob assembly may operate without need for O-rings, gaskets, or any other applied sealants. Assembly of the push button rotary knob is simplified, because the rotary knob may be assembled and replaced without any tools and without need to access the interior of the housing. Furthermore, if the rotary knob is damaged, the rotary knob may be replaced, and any seal provided to exterior surfaces of the housing is not compromised. | 04-08-2010 |
20100079878 | BACKLASH REDUCING DEVICE FOR AN OBJECTIVE LENS ASSEMBLY - An objective lens assembly for night vision goggles including an objective lens cell having a threaded portion, an optical bench having a mating threaded portion for receiving the objective lens cell, and a snap-ring washer for reducing backlash between the objective lens cell and the optical bench. The objective lens cell includes a first wall radially extending away from an axial neck portion, the optical bench includes a second wall radially extending toward the axial neck portion and oriented substantially parallel to the first wall, and the snap-ring washer circumferentially surrounds the axial neck portion of the objective lens cell. The biasing element is configured for a relaxed mode of operation and a compressed mode of operation. In the relaxed mode, the snap-ring washer is inactive, and in the compressed mode, the snap-ring washer reduces backlash between the lens cell and the optical bench. | 04-01-2010 |
20100079173 | Synthesized Local Oscillator And Method Of Operation Thereof - A method for controlling a synthesized local oscillator (SLO) includes: receiving a control input specifying a desired SLO output; receiving reference clock signal; generating a predefined set of dynamic clock signals from the reference clock signal; selecting a dynamic clock signal from the predefined set of dynamic clock signals in response to the control input; using the dynamic clock signal as an input to a direct digital synthesizer (DDS) module to generate a DDS output signal; selecting a DDS output band in response to the control input, the DDS output band including one of a baseband and an alias band; and processing the DDS output band to generate the SLO output. | 04-01-2010 |
20100074676 | Device for interconnecting a first element and a second element as well as a pump comprising such a device - In a first aspect the invention relates to a device for interconnecting a first element ( | 03-25-2010 |
20100072328 | QUICK MOUNT ANCHOR SYSTEM - An anchor system is provided featuring a two-piece toggle having a conduit with a passage in-between for passing one or more wires through, and having one end with a crosspiece formed thereon for passing through an aperture in a mounting surface of another device and engaging one side of the mounting surface and a fastener for frictionally coupling the two-piece toggle to an opposing side of the mounting surface of the other device so as to hold or secure the two-piece toggle in relation to the other device. | 03-25-2010 |
20100070199 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MEASURING OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF A MEDIUM USING DIGITAL COMMUNICATION PROCESSING TECHNIQUES - A system for measuring properties of a medium includes an electromagnetic generator for forming a CW carrier, a digital encoder for forming a digital message, and a modulator for modulating the CW carrier with the digital message to form a digitally modulated CW carrier. The medium provides a channel for propagating the digitally modulated CW carrier. The system further includes a receiver configured to receive the propagated, digitally modulated CW carrier, and a processor for measuring at least one property of the medium. The medium may be disposed within a gaseous atmosphere, a body of water, or a cell of a laboratory. | 03-18-2010 |
20100067980 | Flexure with Elongated Openings - A flexure for tilting having a neck which lies between a pair of cylindrical openings, each of which has a cross-sectional shape which is curved and elongated. A gimbal capable of tilting around mutually perpendicular axes which incorporates the flexure. | 03-18-2010 |
20100065233 | METHOD FOR BLEACHING CHEMICAL PAPER PULPS BY FINAL OZONE TREATMENT AT HIGH TEMPERATURE - A method for treating a prebleached chemical pulp including a step of ozone treatment of the pulp, carried out at a temperature above 60° C., advantageously above 65° C. and even more advantageously above or equal to 70° C. | 03-18-2010 |
20100026822 | Multiplexing Imaging System for Area Coverage and Point Targets - A system for imaging a scene. The system includes a plurality of cameras, each camera including an image sensor and a field steering mirror. The system also includes a controller and a storage device. The controller is coupled to the cameras and the storage device and is configured to direct the field steering mirrors of the cameras to collect a plurality of image tiles of a scene. The is also configured to store the image tiles in the storage device with time stamps and location information. | 02-04-2010 |
20100006765 | Electrical Connection Of A Substrate Within A Vacuum Device Via Electrically Conductive Epoxy/Paste - An image intensifier includes a microchannel plate (MCP) having an output surface, and a ceramic substrate having an outer surface. The output surface of the MCP and the outer surface of the ceramic substrate are oriented facing each other. An imager is substantially buried within the ceramic substrate, and an input surface of the imager is exposed to receive electrons from the output surface of the MCP. The input surface of the imager and the outer surface of the ceramic substrate are oriented in substantially the same plane. The input surface of the imager and the outer surface of the ceramic substrate are disposed at a very close distance from the output surface of the MCP. The imager includes input/output pads, and the ceramic substrate includes input/output pads. A conductive epoxy connects a respective input/output pad of the imager to a respective input/output pad of the ceramic substrate. | 01-14-2010 |
20090308022 | Thermal Barrier System - A thermal barrier system includes a plurality of panels including at least two panels separated from each other so as to define a space between the panels, where each panel of the at least two panels is separated from another panel via at least one spacer structure. Each panel is further formed of an insulation material having a thermal conductivity in the range of about 0.023 W/(m*K) to about 0.099 W/(m*K). In an example embodiment, the insulation material forming the panels has a density of no greater than about 30 lb/ft | 12-17-2009 |
20090304521 | SYNCHRONOUS TORQUE BALANCE IN MULTIPLE PUMP SYSTEMS - The present invention provides a new and unique method and apparatus for operating and running multiple pumps in a system together at a substantially synchronous torque to achieve a desired setpoint. Each of the multiple pumps may be operated with a variable speed drive. The present invention may also take the form of the system having the multiple pumps with a system controller for operating and running the multiple pumps, a pump for operating and running in such a system, a system control module for such a system controller, as well as a pump control module for running and operating such a pump. | 12-10-2009 |
20090302605 | ENTRANCE FLANGE - The present invention concerns an entrance flange for connecting an elongated member ( | 12-10-2009 |
20090290142 | Detection of Materials Based on Raman Scattering and Laser-Induced Fluorescence By Deep UV Excitation - A system and method are provided for detecting presence of a material of interest on a surface or in a space using spectroscopic techniques. A beam of ultraviolet light is directed to the surface or space to achieve photodissociation of a material of interest in order to produce photofragment molecules that fluoresce when excited by ultraviolet light. Raman scattering of the parent target material and laser-induced fluorescence of the daughter photofragments are collected from the surface or space that may be induced by the beam of ultraviolet light. Raman spectra and fluorescence spectra are generated from the captured Raman scattering and fluorescence. The fluorescence spectra associated with the daughter photofragment molecules and the Raman spectra of the parent target material are analyzed to determine presence of the material of interest on the surface or in the space. | 11-26-2009 |
20090283153 | BEVERAGE AIR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - The present invention provides a method and apparatus for separating air from a fluid, such as syrup, as the fluid enters a first chamber of a system; passing the fluid from the first chamber to a second chamber via a first device; passing the air from the first chamber to the second chamber via a second device so as to reintroduce the air back into the fluid and form a new fluid mixture having more uniform air bubbles; and discharging the new fluid out of the system. | 11-19-2009 |
20090278739 | GPS Signal Data Converter for Providing GPS Signals to a Plurality of Connection Ports - A global positioning system (GPS) signal data converter device includes a plurality of output ports configured to connect with and transmit GPS information to devices connected with the output ports, and a processor configured to receive GPS information in a first format, convert the GPS information from the first format into a second format, and to transmit the GPS information to at least two output ports in the first and second formats. | 11-12-2009 |
20090274566 | CHECK VALVE WITH PLASTIC LIP SEAL - A check valve is provided having a seat and a poppet. The seat is made of a plastic material, has an aperture for enabling fluid to flow through the seat, and also has one end portion that has a circumferential edge with a thin sealing lip. The poppet is slidably arranged in the aperture of the seat and has an elastic member. The poppet is configured for opening to enable fluid to flow in one direction when fluid pressure is detected. The elastic member is configured for ensuring sealing between an outer surface of the poppet and the thin sealing lip of the seat when there is no fluid flow in the one direction so as to substantially prevent fluid flow in the opposite direction. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the thin plastic sealing lip may have a thickness of about 0.01″ Embodiments are also envisioned where the thickness may be in a range of 0.003″-0.03″. | 11-05-2009 |
20090265386 | Library Generation for Detection and Identification of Shielded Radioisotopes - A method, logic and system are provided for generating data representing all possible materials that may be present when monitoring a region or space for a radioisotope of interest. All possible materials with which a radioisotope material may interact are grouped or categorized into one of a plurality of material groups. Each material group is further subdivided into a plurality of subgroups based on atomic number of a material. First data is stored for each of the subgroups of each of the plurality of material groups, where the first data represents an interaction between a representative material for a corresponding subgroup and radiation at a plurality of energy levels. Second data is stored representing spectral characteristics of each radioisotope of interest at the plurality of energy levels. For a radioisotope of interest, a computation is made to produce spectrum data resulting from an interaction between of the radioisotope of interest using the second data with the first data for each of the plurality of subgroups in each material group. The spectrum data is then stored in a library for later use in the field with the output from a detector. Spectrum data is stored for the particular detector to be used in the field, and to this end, such detector-specific spectrum library data may be adjusted to account for a detector's quantum efficiency and resolution characteristics. | 10-22-2009 |
20090265104 | Navigation System and Method of Obtaining Accurate Navigational Information in Signal Challenging Environments - A present invention embodiment includes a navigation system with a front-end GPS receiver, auxiliary sensors and a digital signal processor providing filtering and other processing. The navigation system enhances a UTC type architecture by employing an inertial compensation unit and a stochastic regulator. The inertial compensation unit compensates for inertial errors within the sensors, while the stochastic regulator applies an optimal stochastic control law to control system operation. The inertial compensation unit and stochastic regulator mitigate instability within the navigation system and provide: the functionality to attain high position accuracy in the sub-meter range that is stable and reliable; an optimal solution evident in the process of signal recovery time after loss and reacquisition, thereby resulting in signal-loss recovery with an order of magnitude improvement; and the ability to mitigate inertial errors that originate in the sensors. The navigation system provides navigation information for indoor and urban environmental conditions. | 10-22-2009 |
20090245297 | Wavelength-Agile Laser Transmitter Using Optical Parametric Oscillator - A wavelength-agile laser transmitter apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus comprises a pump laser that is configured to output a pump beam at a first (pump) wavelength and an optical parametric oscillator. The optical parametric oscillator comprises a cavity that contains several optical components including a non-linear optical medium, a first, second and third optical elements, and a narrow linewidth filter. The non-linear optical medium is configured to convert light at the first wavelength to light at a second (signal) wavelength and a third (idler) wavelength that are each longer than the first wavelength. Light at the second and third wavelengths is allowed to partially resonate in the optical parametric oscillator, and the output beam of the apparatus corresponds to light at the third wavelength. | 10-01-2009 |
20090238317 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TRANSFERRING A SIGNAL FROM A FAST CLOCK DOMAIN TO A SLOW CLOCK DOMAIN - A circuit is provided for transferring a signal from a fast clock domain to a slow clock domain. The circuit includes a fast clock domain configured to receive an input signal and, responsively, transfer an intermediate signal. The circuit also a slow clock domain configured to receive the transferred intermediate signal from the fast clock domain and, responsively, generate an output signal. The circuit further includes a first synchronizer disposed in the slow clock domain and a second synchronizer disposed in the fast clock domain. The first synchronizer, operating with a slow clock, is configured to receive the intermediate signal and, responsively, provide the output signal as a transferred signal which is synchronized to the input signal. The second synchronizer, operating with a fast clock, is configured to receive a feedback signal from the first synchronizer for acknowledging synchronization of the output signal to the input signal. | 09-24-2009 |
20090237648 | Dual Pulse Single Event Raman Spectroscopy - Systems and methods for performing Raman spectrometry wherein a Raman spectroscopy system is mounted on a vehicle for on the move contaminant analysis. The system is configured to interrogate a target with a laser at a predetermined pulse repetition frequency (PRF), wherein during each PRF cycle, defined as 1/PRF, the laser is dual pulsed at a first wavelength and at a second wavelength. Raman spectra are collected and used to identify the target by matching a Raman signature with a given collected Raman spectra. | 09-24-2009 |
20090236554 | KNIFE GATE VALVE WITH SKEWED GATE SEAT INTERFACE - A valve assembly comprising a valve body defining a fluid passage with a seat member positioned adjacent the fluid passage. A gate, having a leading edge, is supported in the valve body and is moveable relative to the fluid passage along a given axis between an open position and a closed positioned wherein the gate sealingly engages the seat member. The seat member includes a portion whose tangent is perpendicular to the given axis. At least a portion of the gate leading edge that is laterally aligned with the portion of the seat member whose tangent is perpendicular to the given axis may extend at an obtuse angle relative to the given axis. The gate leading edge may be configured such that any portion of the leading edge contacting a respective portion of the seat member is non-parallel to a tangent of that portion of the seat member. | 09-24-2009 |
20090231742 | Drive System Useful In A Night Vision Device - A drive system for optical components particularly useful with night vision devices. The drive system uses a single motor to rotate a selected one of two components between its operative and inoperative positions while retaining the other component in its inoperative position. | 09-17-2009 |
20090231153 | COMPACT SELF-CONTAINED CONDITION MONITORING DEVICE - The present invention provides a new and unique method and apparatus for monitoring a device, such as a pump. The device may also include a fan, compressor, turbine or other rotating or reciprocating piece of machinery. In one embodiment, the method features sensing in a first device both a start-up vibration at a start-up time after the first device is affixed to a second device to be monitored and a subsequent vibration level at a subsequent time after the start-up time, and providing both a start-up vibration level signal containing information about the start-up vibration level of the second device, and a subsequent vibration level signal containing information about the subsequent vibration level of the second device; and monitoring in the first device the condition of operation of the second device based on a comparison of the start-up vibration level signal in relation to the subsequent vibration level signal. The apparatus may take the form of one or more modules and/or chipset for performing the steps and functionality of the aforementioned method. | 09-17-2009 |
20090213515 | Multiple-channel active sensing and switching device - The present invention provides a multichannel active sensing and switching device featuring a multiple sensing and switching module configured to respond to operational conditions of different load types and provide load type sensor signals containing information about the operational conditions of the different load types, and also configured to respond to controller signals for controlling the operation of the different load types in two or more different protection configurations; and a controller module configured to respond to the load type sensor signals and provide the controller signals in order to control the operation of the different load types in the two or more different protection configurations. The controller module may be programmable and configured to provide a default circuit breaker configuration and a device specific configuration using active intelligence (AI). | 08-27-2009 |
20090180874 | "O" HEAD DESIGN - A discharge head features a motor mounting plate configured for mounting on a motor; a base plate configured for mounting on a pump assembly; an elbow transition mounted on the base plate configured for providing discharge from the pump assembly; a seal housing pipe coupled to the elbow transition configured for receiving a mechanical seal or packing arrangement; supporting pipes arranged between the motor mounting plate and the base plate; and ribs arranged between the supporting pipes and the seal housing pipe configured to prevent substantially lateral and torsional movement, including movement due to reacting hydraulic forces at a pump nozzle and inertia from a driver. The discharge head according to the present invention makes it quicker and easier to couple together the shaft of a pump and the shaft of a motor in such VTSH pumps when compared to the techniques known in the art. | 07-16-2009 |
20090169365 | PUMP - The invention relates to a pump for pumping contaminated liquid including solid matter, comprising a pump housing provided with a rotatable impeller ( | 07-02-2009 |
20090163161 | SCALABLE RADIO RECEIVER ARCHITECTURE PROVIDING THREE-DIMENSIONAL PACKAGING OF MULTIPLE RECEIVERS - Methods of forming scalable systems and scalable systems on an integrated circuit (SoC) are provided. First and second radio frequency (RF) systems are disposed on first and second substrates, respectively. A first processor that is configured to process the first RF system is disposed on a substrate separate from the first substrate and a second processor that is configured to process the second RF system is disposed on a substrate separate from the second substrate. The first processor and the first RF system are stacked one on top of the other to configure a first RFSoC and the second processor and the second RF system are stacked one on top of the other to configure a second RFSoC. The first and second RFSoCs are disposed either in a horizontal plane, laterally spaced from each other, or in vertically stacked planes, one above the other. | 06-25-2009 |
20090158007 | SCALEABLE ARRAY OF MICRO-ENGINES FOR WAVEFORM PROCESSING - A system for implementing waveform processing in a software defined radio (SDR) includes a scaleable array processor having a plurality of micro-engines (MEs) interconnected by a two dimensional topology. Each micro-engine includes multiple FIFOs for interconnecting to each other in the two dimensional topology. One micro-engine communicates with another adjacent micro-engine by way of the respective FIFOs. The micro-engines are dedicated to predetermined algorithms. The two dimensional topology includes an array of N×M micro-engines interconnected by the multiple FIFOs. The N×M are integer numbers of rows and columns, respectively, in the array of micro-engines. The micro-engines are dedicated to baseband processing of data for RF transmission or RF reception. | 06-18-2009 |
20090147945 | Configurable ASIC-embedded cryptographic processing engine - Architecture for embedding a cryptographic engine in a processor is disclosed. An ASIC processor is embedded with a programmable processing core, such as an FPGA, with the key register and I/O registers remaining in fixed logic. | 06-11-2009 |
20090142652 | EXPANDABLE BATTERY COMPARTMENT - In a battery-powered electrical device, an expandable battery compartment for accommodating batteries of varying size, and a method for altering the size of the battery compartment, is disclosed. The battery compartment includes a battery casing defining a substantially cylindrical recess for at least partially encapsulating a battery. The recess has an open end for receiving a battery and a closed end. A first electrical contact element is positioned on or adjacent the closed end of the recess for contacting a terminal of a battery. A cover is configured to be releasably mounted to the open end of the recess for selectively concealing the open end and defining the battery compartment. A second electrical contact element is provided for contacting an opposing terminal of the battery. The second electrical contact element is selectively positionable at multiple locations on the cover to accommodate batteries of varying size within the battery compartment. | 06-04-2009 |
20090142072 | OPTICAL INTERFACE BETWEEN TWO SECTIONS OF AN INTEGRATED CHIP - An integrated electronic chip including: a first section formed on a first substrate; a second section formed on a second substrate; and a chip package. The first section including a first electronic circuit electrically coupled to a first optical transmitter and a first optical receiver. The second section including a second electronic circuit electrically coupled to a second optical transmitter and a second optical receiver. The chip package configured to hold the first and second sections such that: the first substrate is separated from the second substrate by a gap having a predetermined width; first optical signals emitted by the first optical transmitter are received by the second optical receiver; and second optical signals emitted by the second optical transmitter are received by the first optical receiver. The first circuit is electrically isolated from the second circuit by the gap. | 06-04-2009 |
20090141928 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR WITNESS CARD ANALYSIS - A system for and method of assessing fluid spray using image processing techniques of a calibration and one or more as-sprayed witness cards. Calibration and as-sprayed witness cards are exposed to a backlight sufficient to make a plurality of stains thereon electronically visible. At the same time an image of the stains is captured by, e.g., a digital camera. Resulting image data is processed to assess characteristics of the stains of the fluid on the as-sprayed witness card(s) and thereby assess characteristics of the spray, e.g., volume of fluid delivered. In one embodiment, the witness card is a chemically coated semiopaque plate. | 06-04-2009 |
20090141456 | MULTILAYER, THERMALLY-STABILIZED SUBSTRATE STRUCTURES - A multilayer, thermally-stabilized substrate, including: a thermally-conductive core structure, including a central section located horizontally between two edge sections; a top multilayer circuit board connected to the top surface of the central portion of the core structure; and a bottom multilayer circuit board connected to the bottom surface of the central portion of the core structure. The core structure has a core thermal conductance and a effective core horizontal thermal expansion coefficient. The top and bottom multilayer circuit boards each include at least one dielectric layer and at least one electrically-conductive layer, and each have a circuit board thermal conductance that is less than the core thermal conductance of the core structure. The electrically-conductive layers of the top and the bottom circuit boards each have a conductive layer horizontal thermal expansion coefficient that is less than or equal to the effective core horizontal thermal expansion coefficient of the core structure. | 06-04-2009 |
20090141371 | COLLIMATED OPTICAL SYSTEM WITH CLIP RING ECCENTRIC LOCKING MECHANISM - An optical system includes a lens cell having a generally cylindrical lens cell body. The lens cell body has a lens cell central longitudinal axis and a lens cell optical axis eccentrically offset from the lens cell central longitudinal axis. A sleeve includes a generally cylindrical sleeve body having an outer surface with a first longitudinal axis and an inner surface with a second longitudinal axis eccentrically offset from the first longitudinal axis. The lens cell is inserted into the sleeve. A housing has a generally cylindrical body with the sleeve at least partially inserted into the housing. A clip is disposed about at least a portion of the circumference of the housing. The lens cell and the sleeve are rotated relative to each other and to the housing such that the lens cell optical axis is aligned in a desired location. After the lens cell optical axis is aligned in the desired location, the clip is releasably coupled to and inserted through the housing and into the sleeve to restrict rotation of the sleeve relative to the housing. | 06-04-2009 |
20090140901 | RISA CONTROLLER FOR AN RF INTEGRATED CIRCUIT (RFIC) HAVING IMPROVED EXECUTION SPEED - An RFIC controller configured for executing multiple tasks. A serial interface is included having a serial bus for receiving a data stream having control bits and data bits. One or more registers are coupled to the serial bus for storing the control bits and data bits as they are received. Control circuitry is also included. The data stream is formatted such that the control bits are received before the data bits, the control bits specifying an operation. The control circuitry is configured to examine the control bits as they are received to determine the operation specified by the control bits before the data bits are received. A task corresponding to the operation specified by the control bits is then initiated before the data bits are received. | 06-04-2009 |
20090140816 | SYNTHESIZER CHARACTERIZATION IN REAL TIME - A frequency synthesizer includes a phase locked loop (PLL) for generating a desired frequency. The PLL includes two loop filters. A characterization circuit is included, which is configured to receive a digital word for characterizing the PLL and provide a pre-charge value for pre-charging one of the loop filters to generate the desired frequency. A successive approximation analog to digital (A/D) converter is coupled between the loop filters and the characterization circuit, for providing both (a) the digital word to the characterization circuit, and (b) the pre-charge value to the selected loop filter. The digital word includes n-bits ranging in values from a most significant bit (MSB) to a least significant bit (LSB), and the pre-charge value is formed by the n-bits. The successive approximation A/D converter includes a successive approximation register (SAR) for forming the digital word, and a digital to analog (D/A) converter for forming the pre-charge value. The successive approximation A/D converter includes a comparator for comparing (a) a value corresponding to a loop filter voltage with (b) an analog value formed by a bit of the digital word. | 06-04-2009 |
20090137148 | Universal Insert - A molded plastic insert having a socket and groove formed on an outer surface to cooperate with spring loaded plungers on one of a pair of mating parts to couple the mating parts. A pair of indentations formed on the outer edge of the insert to accommodate any electrical leads between the mating parts. | 05-28-2009 |
20090135507 | TILT ADJUSTMENT LOCKING MECHANISM FOR A HEAD-MOUNTED NIGHT VISION DEVICE - A mechanism for permitting selective adjustment of the angular position of a head-mounted night vision device is provided. The mechanism comprises a housing positioned adjacent the night vision device. A shaft defining a longitudinal axis is at least partially positioned within or adjacent the housing. The shaft is rotatively coupled to the night vision device, wherein rotation of the shaft induces rotation of the night vision device. A moveable lever is coupled to the shaft for rotating the shaft. Means for selectively limiting rotation of the shaft are provided, wherein the means are moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position the means permit rotation of the shaft and the optical device, and in the second position the means limit rotation of the shaft and the optical device. | 05-28-2009 |
20090135506 | SCREW ACTUATED NIGHT VISION GOGGLE TILT MECHANISM - A mechanism for adjusting the angular position of an optical device with respect to a field helmet is disclosed. The mechanism includes an optical device mounting component for coupling to the optical device. A field helmet mounting component is provided for coupling to the field helmet. The field helmet mounting component is rotatably coupled to the optical device mounting component about an axis of rotation. An angular adjustment mechanism is engaged between the optical device mounting component and the field helmet mounting component. The angular adjustment mechanism includes a translating member that is moveably translatable along an axis of translation for engaging a surface of either the field helmet mounting component or the optical device mounting component. Translation of the translating member along the axis of translation induces rotation of the optical device mounting component about the axis of rotation for adjusting the angular position of the optical device. | 05-28-2009 |
20090135505 | MECHANISM FOR TRANSLATING A NIGHT VISION GOGGLE - A mechanism for adjusting the position of an optical device with respect to a field helmet along an axis of translation is provided. The mechanism comprises an optical device mounting component for coupling to the optical device. A field helmet mounting component for coupling to the field helmet is slideably coupled to the optical device mounting component along the axis of translation. A lever configured for selectively engaging a surface of either mounting component permits translation of the optical device mounting component along the axis of translation with respect to the field helmet. The optical device mounting component is configured to translate along the axis of translation with respect to the field helmet between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the optical device is proximal to the helmet in the retracted position and distal to the helmet in the extended position. | 05-28-2009 |
20090135317 | ADDRESSABLE BACKLIGHT FOR LCD PANEL - A display unit includes an LCD which receives an array of pixel data for displaying an image at a first dynamic range. A projector projects colored light of the image at a second dynamic range. The LCD combines the array of pixel data with the colored light to display the image at a third dynamic range. The third dynamic range is greater than the first or second dynamic range. | 05-28-2009 |
20090134312 | SLOTTED MICROCHANNEL PLATE (MCP) - A microchannel plate (MCP) for an image intensifier includes an active portion having an input surface area for receiving electrons and an output surface area for outputting multiplied electrons. The input and output surface areas are oriented horizontally with respect to each other and spaced by a vertical distance. A non-active portion surrounds the active portion of the MCP. The non-active portion includes at least one slot extending vertically into the non-active portion and extending horizontally to form a horizontal slotted area. When the MCP is positioned vertically above an electron sensing device having wires looping vertically above the electron sensing device, the slot is configured to receive a portion of the wires, resulting in a vertical clearance between the MCP and the electron sensing device. The wires loop a vertical looping distance above a surface of the electron sensing device, and a portion of the vertical looping distance is configured to be received within the slot of the MCP. The horizontal slotted area may be a rectangle, and the input and output surface areas may also be rectangles. | 05-28-2009 |
20090133179 | Helmet Mount for Night Vision Goggles - A helmet mount for night vision apparatus wherein night vision goggles can be coupled and uncoupled to its power pack without the use of tools and wherein the power pack can be coupled and uncoupled to a helmet without the use of tools. When an aviator wearing a helmet with night vision apparatus so mounted, is ejected from his aircraft both the goggles and the power pack are released from the helmet. | 05-28-2009 |
20090133178 | Night Vision Goggle Mount With Retractable Stops - A helmet mount for night vision apparatus including a night vision goggle rotatable between operative and inoperative positions. Retractable stop means are included on the mount for obstructing the rotation of the goggle from its inoperative to operative position without obstructing the rotation of the goggle from its operative to its inoperative position. | 05-28-2009 |
20090129413 | Methods and Apparatus for Generating RGB Laser Light - A dual-cavity single longitudinal mode (SLM) laser oscillator generates a pulsed laser signal having a long pulsewidth, long coherence length, and good shot-to-shot energy stability. The laser oscillator has a first cavity between an output coupler and a rear mirror and a second cavity between the output coupler and an intra-cavity mirror disposed between the output coupler and rear mirror. High-loss cavity optics and a passive Q-switch achieve a very high number of round trips that reduce the number of cavity modes down to two or three. The dual cavity design further discriminates between the remaining modes and allows SLM operation. The laser oscillator and an amplifier can be used as a pump laser for a laser system that generates red, green, and blue pulses for holographic recording. A wavelength conversion stage uses optical parametric amplifier(s), doubling crystals, and sum-frequency mixers to produce RGB light from the pump pulses. | 05-21-2009 |
20090127995 | CURVED MCP CHANNELS - A microchannel plate (MCP) is formed from a boule. The MCP includes a plate having opposing end surfaces formed of acid resistant glass and acid etchable glass, and multiple channels extending longitudinally between the opposing end surfaces. The multiple channels are formed by circumferential walls of the acid resistant glass that surround the acid etchable glass. A respective circumferential wall forms a curved surface extending longitudinally between the opposing end surfaces. The curved surface is configured to reduce light from passing from one end surface to the other end surface. The acid resistant glass has a lower softening temperature than the acid etchable glass. As a result, the acid etchable glass may be subjected to a bending process, without reducing the diameter size of the microchannels that are formed after the bending process. | 05-21-2009 |
20090123270 | Pump - The invention relates to a pump for pumping contaminated liquid including solid matter, comprising a pump housing provided with a rotatable impeller suspended in a drive shaft and having at least one vane, and an impeller seat, at least one part of the impeller and the impeller seat being movable in the axial direction in relation to each other. Furthermore, the impeller seat presents at least one groove in the top surface thereof. | 05-14-2009 |
20090123070 | Segmentation-based image processing system - A digital image can be processed by an image processing method that calculates a gradient map for the digital image, calculates a density function for the gradient map, calculates a modified gradient map using the gradient map, the density function and the selected scale level, and segments the modified gradient map. Prior to segmenting the modified gradient map, a sub-image of the digital image can be segmented at the selected scale level to determine if the selected scale level will give the desired segmentation. | 05-14-2009 |
20090121694 | NON-INVASIVE LOAD CURRENT SENSING IN LOW DROPOUT (LDO) REGULATORS - A low dropout (LDO) voltage regulator includes an output terminal for providing a regulated voltage output to a load, and a plurality of PFETs connected in parallel. Each PFET drains a level of current and the sum of the levels of current are provided as a current output at the output terminal. The LDO voltage regulator also includes a feedback network coupled to the output terminal for providing a voltage feedback signal, and an error amplifier coupled between the plurality of PFETs and the feedback network for sensing a differential voltage. The error amplifier includes an output voltage which is provided to the plurality of PFETs for adjusting the drain of current from each PFET. A summation of the drains of current from each PFET is provided as the current output to regulate the voltage output at the output terminal. Each PFET drains a current level of I | 05-14-2009 |
20090111465 | Transmission Scheduling for ADS-B Ground Systems - System and methods for reducing redundant messages broadcast in an Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) system. For a given target, a controller determines the relevant customers that should receive information about the target, identifies all of the ground stations that can be satisfactorily heard by the relevant customers, and then identifies a smaller subset of ground stations by selecting only those ground stations that are needed to reach all of the relevant customers. ADS-B messages are then broadcast to the relevant customers using only the smaller subset of ground stations. | 04-30-2009 |
20090108866 | RADIATION HARDENED LOGIC CIRCUITS - A radiation hardened inverter includes first and second electrical paths between an input terminal and an output terminal. A first PFET is disposed in the first electrical path, and a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) is disposed in the second electrical path. The first PFET is configured to convert a low level signal at the input terminal to a high level signal at the output terminal, and the BJT is configured to convert a high level signal at the input terminal to a low level signal at the output terminal. The radiation hardened inverter includes a second PFET disposed in the second electrical path. The second PFET is configured to provide a path for bleeding excess current away from the BJT. The radiation hardened inverter also includes a current limiting PFET disposed in the second electrical path. The current limiting PFET is configured to limit current flowing into a base of the BJT. The radiation hardened inverter is free-of any NFETs. | 04-30-2009 |
20090106342 | Circuit and method for performing multiple modulo mathematic operations - A multi-function modulo processor architecture is capable of performing multiple modulo mathematic operations. The modulo processor includes a pipeline processing portion that iteratively computes a running partial modulo product using the operands of a modulo mathematic argument to obtain one or more final partial modulo products. The final partial modulo product is post-processed to obtain the final result. | 04-23-2009 |
20090096065 | ELECTRICAL ISOLATION OF MONOLITHIC CIRCUITS USING A CONDUCTIVE THROUGH-HOLE IN THE SUBSTRATE - A monolithic electronic chip including: a substrate; a first circuit formed on a first circuit portion of the substrate; a second circuit formed on a second circuit portion of the substrate; and at least one conductive impedance tap formed a through-hole in the substrate. The substrate includes first and second opposing surfaces and at least one through-hole extending from the first surface to the second surface. Each of the circuit portions is disposed on one or both of the opposing surfaces. Each conductive impedance tap is coupled to the surface of the through-hole it is formed in to electrically couple the substrate to a reference voltage. The impedance between each circuit and the reference voltage via the conductive impedance tap(s) is less than the crosstalk impedance between the first circuit and the second circuit via the substrate. | 04-16-2009 |
20090095768 | MULTIPLE INLET TUBE DISPENSING SYSTEM - The present invention provides a system featuring a dispenser for providing fluid from multiple reservoirs to an appliance or other suitable device; and a multiple tubing arrangement coupled between the dispenser and the multiple reservoirs of fluid, the multiple tubing arrangement being responsive to a vacuum provided from the dispenser, for drawing the fluid from the multiple reservoirs so as to deplete the multiple reservoirs at relatively equal amounts based on the Venturi effect. The multiple tubing arrangement comprises a primary inlet tube for arranging in a primary reservoir, an auxiliary inlet tube for arranging in an auxiliary reservoir, and a feed connector tube arranged between the primary inlet tube and auxiliary inlet tube. The primary inlet tube is coupled to the auxiliary inlet tube so as to provide a proportional vacuum and siphoning effect. The multiple tubing arrangement siphons and depletes the fluid from the primary reservoir and the auxiliary reservoir based on the Venturi effect. | 04-16-2009 |
20090091402 | Compact stripline low frequency band reject filter - A low frequency reject filter element is formed on a printed circuit board that utilizes the fact that power transmission in a waveguide is cut-off below a certain frequency. A quasi waveguide cavity is formed in printed circuit board using the top and bottom ground plane of the stripline circuit and using conductive via holes to form the side walls of the cavity. Waveguide cavity mode is launched from the input and output striplines by shorting them to ground. Transformers and matching via hole elements may be used to improve matching. The resulting filter is compact and is highly effective in suppressing low frequency transmissions. | 04-09-2009 |
20090024685 | High Speed and Efficient Matrix Multiplication Hardware Module - A matrix multiplication module and matrix multiplication method are provided that use a variable number of multiplier-accumulator units based on the amount of data elements of the matrices are available or needed for processing at a particular point or stage in the computation process. As more data elements become available or are needed, more multiplier-accumulator units are used to perform the necessary multiplication and addition operations. To multiply an N×M matrix by an M×N matrix, the total (maximum) number of used MAC units is “2*N−1”. The number of MAC units used starts with one (1) and increases by two at each computation stage, that is, at the beginning of reading of data elements for each new row of the first matrix. The sequence of the number of MAC units is {1, 3, 5, . . . , 2*N−1} for computation stages each of which corresponds to reading of data elements for each new row of the left hand matrix, also called the first matrix. For the multiplication of two 8×8 matrices, the performance is 16 floating point operations per clock cycle. For an FPGA running at 100 MHz, the performance is 1.6 Giga floating point operations per second. The performance increases with the increase of the clock frequency and the use of larger matrices when FPGA resources permit. Very large matrices are partitioned into smaller blocks to fit in the FPGA resources. Results from the multiplication of sub-matrices are combined to form the final result of the large matrices. | 01-22-2009 |
20080291101 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STEERING AND STABILIZING RADIO FREQUENCY BEAMS UTILIZING PHOTONIC CRYSTAL STRUCTURES - An RF beam steering device employs a prism assembly to steer an RF beam and a compensation device to address undesirable movement of the beam steering device. The prism assembly includes a plurality of dielectric prisms each with an associated impedance matching layer. The dielectric prisms are rotated relative to each other to steer the RF beam in a desired direction and further to compensate for movement of the beam steering device itself. The prisms include a plurality of individual panels with drilled or slotted openings that are arranged to create a periodic photonic crystal structure within a defined region. This configuration effectively alters the dielectric constant over any one particular region of a panel, thereby altering the level of diffraction possible for a specified panel thickness. The openings within each stacked panel are overlapped to produce the required level of diffraction and refractive index gradient. Motors rotate the prisms relative to each other to the correct orientation for steering the RF beam in a desired manner. | 11-27-2008 |
20080262718 | Landmark Navigation for Vehicles Using Blinking Optical Beacons - A system and method for landmark navigation employing optical beacons deployed at locations throughout a field of operation of a vehicle. The optical beacons emit or reflect an optical signal at a predetermined blink frequency. The locations of the optical beacons may or may not be known to the vehicle. At least one imaging device on the vehicle, such as a digital camera, captures images in the field of operation, and in particular a pair of image frames such that the time interval between the image frames of the pair is equal to one-half of the blink period of the optical signal. Data is generated that represents a difference frame between two image frames captured by the imaging device. Pixel locations of optical beacons in the difference frame are identified. The position and orientation of the vehicle is determined from data representing pixel locations of optical beacons in the difference frame. | 10-23-2008 |
20080251534 | APPLIANCE CONTROLLER SYSTEM FEATURING AUTOMATIC BEVERAGE DISPENSER SHUTOFF SYSTEM - An appliance controller is provided featuring one or more modules configured for providing power to an appliance that receives fluid from a fluid supply system, for receiving a fluid supply system signal indicating that the fluid is not being provided to the appliance and for disconnecting the power to the appliance. The one or more modules may take the form of an appliance controller circuit having a first circuit part configured for providing power to an appliance that receives fluid from a fluid supply system; and a second circuit part configured for receiving a fluid supply system signal indicating that the fluid is not being provided to the appliance and disconnecting the power to the appliance. The appliance controller may form part of an appliance controller system having appliances, appliance controllers and the fluid supply system. | 10-16-2008 |
20080247408 | Reliable Broadcast Protocol and Apparatus for Sensor Networks - A method for broadcasting messages in an ad hoc wireless network having a tree-based architecture is provided. When a node receives a broadcast message for re-broadcasting to other nodes in the network, it builds a list of identifiers of other nodes in the network from which the node requires reception of a broadcast message as an implicit acknowledgment that said other nodes in the network have received said broadcast message. The node builds this implicit acknowledgment list based on stored data pertaining to an existing tree-based topology of the network. After this list is built, the node re-broadcasts the broadcast message. Each node in the network executes this broadcasting protocol and in so doing a broadcast message quickly and efficiently propagates through the network with minimal redundancy and impact on the topology of the network. | 10-09-2008 |
20080244895 | Method For Mounting Magnet Elements on a Rotor For Use In a Permanent Magnet Motor - The present invention relates to a method for mounting magnet elements on the surface of a rotor for use in a permanent magnet motor. The method comprises the steps of : providing a first tube like element, wherein said first tube like element has an inner diameter that corresponds to an outer diameter of said rotor, providing a second tube like element, wherein said second tube like element has an inner diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of said first tube like element, inserting said first tube like element into said second tube like element, in order to create a hollow space between them, inserting a number of magnet elements into said hollow space, and inserting said rotor into said first tube like element, whereupon said magnet elements are in a tight fit arrangement between said first tube like element and said second tube like element. | 10-09-2008 |
20080218331 | Augmented reality-based system and method to show the location of personnel and sensors inside occluded structures and provide increased situation awareness - An augmented reality system provides enhanced situational information to personnel located within an environment. A tracking system obtains viewpoint information corresponding to a real-time view of said environment. A processing system receives information from one or more sensors. Information includes sensor location information and status information about the environment and personnel therein. The processing system generates graphics using the sensor location information and the viewpoint information. Graphics include visual representations of said status information. A display displays the generated graphics on a display at a supervisor station that is outside of said environment such that graphics are superimposed on the real-time view. | 09-11-2008 |
20080198815 | Nearly Collision-Free Channel Access System and Method - Techniques for controlling access to a communication channel for each of a plurality of nodes in a wireless ad hoc communication network. According to one embodiment, each node uses a predetermined rule, such as a hash function, to compute which of a plurality of time slots during a contention window it is to attempt transmissions. Each node in the network follows the same rule to access the channel and as a result no additional overhead transmissions are required between the nodes. In addition, contention among different nodes is reduced when a node needs to repeat an attempt to make a transmission. When a node has data to transmit on the channel, it determines a time slot in the contention window period during which to attempt the transmission using a computation that is based on a number identifier assigned to the node, the number of time slots in the contention window period and a transmission count value that represents the number of attempts the node has made to make the transmission. According to another embodiment, nodes are assigned to slot groups based on the time slot computation and the groups are assigned to particular slots during successive blocks in a round robin fashion so as to ensure fair access to the communication channel. | 08-21-2008 |